US Attorney Roger Handberg comments on the JEA case

U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Roger Handberg issued a statement on August 22 regarding public corruption cases in general and the recent conviction of former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn in particular.

“Public corruption has a destructive effect on a community. It undermines trust in government and our institutions. For these and many other reasons, public corruption cases are a top priority for my office,” Handberg said.

He was appointed two and a half years ago as the chief federal prosecutor in the district, which includes 35 of Florida's 67 counties from Jacksonville through Central Florida to Sarasota.

Handberg said that during that time, his office prosecuted more than 60 public corruption cases involving police officers, military personnel, teachers, postal workers and other public officials. The JEA case was one of the most significant cases tried in Jacksonville.

“I cannot praise enough the incredible work of the investigative authorities in this case. The investigation was thorough, meticulous and comprehensive. No stone was left unturned in the pursuit of justice,” said Handberg.

Zahn became CEO of JEA in November 2018. Nine months later, JEA's board invited private companies to negotiate a sale of the utility. The board justified its decision by citing Zahn's claim that the city-owned utility would have to lay off nearly a third of its workforce and significantly raise electricity rates if JEA remained publicly owned.

The proposed sale also included a plan that could have earned Zahn and others more than $600 million in bonuses if the sale had gone ahead, according to city auditors.

Following an on-site investigation, the JEA board halted the sales process in December 2019 and subsequently fired Zahn.

Following a federal investigation, Zahn and former JEA CFO Ryan Wannemacher were indicted on wire fraud and conspiracy charges in March 2022.

Their trial ended on March 15, 2024, with Wannemacher acquitted and Zahn guilty. Zahn was sentenced to four years in a federal prison on June 30.

“I want to thank the partners in my office for their extraordinary efforts in this case. District Attorney Melissa Nelson and her office. The Jacksonville City Auditor's Office. And the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Each of these agencies did an exemplary job with the sole goal of bringing justice. Justice for the people of Jacksonville whose trust was betrayed,” Handberg said.

“My office's federal prosecution of the JEA case reflects our dedication and commitment to this community to fight public corruption. I want to thank Attorneys Tysen Duva and Arnold Corsmeier and the other members of my office's trial team for their great work on this case. To them, I extend my sincere gratitude.”

Handberg concluded:

“It is often said that public service is a public trust. The vast majority of public officials perform their jobs with honor. However, some do not. My office will not turn a blind eye to such misconduct. Rather, we will work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who violate the very principles they are sworn to uphold. Through our prosecutions in federal court, we will seek to foster a culture of accountability and integrity. My office is committed to continuing to prioritize the prosecution of public corruption cases in federal court.”