Jacksonville, Florida – In a federal trial, a verdict was reached on Thursday for former executives of the city-owned utility JEA. The jury’s decision for former CEO Aaron Zahn, however, remains sealed until the second jury for former CFO Ryan Wannemacher comes to a verdict. Both juries were released for the day without announcing any decision.
The charges against the former JEA executives include conspiracy and wire fraud, related to an alleged scheme that aimed to secure multimillion-dollar bonuses if the utility was sold. The trial involves two separate juries, each receiving instructions from the judge before beginning deliberations.
Throughout the day, both juries had deliberated and returned with questions for the judge. Zahn’s jury inquired about the requirement of unanimous agreement on specific sections of the indictment to find him guilty. In response, the judge reiterated that the jury must follow all instructions without disregarding any of them.
Closing arguments in the case concluded on Wednesday with prosecutors alleging that Zahn orchestrated the plan for the sale and controversial bonus program, while Wannemacher was accused of aiding in its creation despite being aware of its problematic nature. Zahn’s defense attorney countered these claims by pointing out the absence of evidence demonstrating communication between Zahn and Wannemacher.
The critical issue for the jurors to resolve revolves around what the JEA executives knew when voting on the performance unit plan. This plan could have potentially led to enormous bonus payouts exceeding $345 million for JEA leaders if the utility were sold. Testimony during the trial emphasized that such a bonus plan was unprecedented for government entities.
Wannemacher’s defense attorney focused on his client’s state of mind during the pivotal 2019 board meeting when the plan was approved. Board members, who testified that they were unaware of the plan’s potential for substantial bonuses, approved it. The attorney argued that Wannemacher acted in good faith, without deceit or strategic planning.
It is possible for the trial to yield different verdicts. If convicted on all counts, both Zahn and Wannemacher could face up to 25 years in prison.