The co-founders and CFO of Epic Charter Schools are facing additional criminal charges, which could lead to substantial prison sentences. The preliminary hearing for David Chaney, Ben Harris, and Josh Brock, originally scheduled for October 23, has been postponed to next year due to the inclusion of four new counts, bringing the total charges to 15.
These four new counts involve accusations of money laundering, conspiracy to defraud the state, and additional embezzlement charges. Prosecutors allege that the co-founders enriched themselves using taxpayer funds by inflating enrollment with fictitious students, creating fraudulent invoices, and misusing company credit cards. The new charges also assert that they established a sham company to divert money for personal use.
According to the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office, the state suffered a loss of $22 million, although it’s suggested that the actual figure may be even higher. Epic Charter Schools are now under new leadership.