A jury found Brent Swadley guilty on all counts Thursday after he was accused of conspiring to defraud the state of Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY —
A jury found Brent Swadley guilty on all counts Thursday after he was accused of conspiring to defraud the state of Oklahoma.
Brent Swadley, the owner of Swadley's BBQ, was found guilty on one felony count of conspiracy to defraud the state and five felony counts of presenting false or fraudulent claims against the state. He will be sentenced on July 16, and Oklahoma Attorney General said his office is requesting that Brent Swadley serve 10 years.
During his trial, prosecutors presented their case in an Oklahoma County courtroom. Prosecutors alleged that Swadley's Foggy Bottom Kitchen presented false invoices to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, as well as directed a restaurant equipment supplier to fabricate invoices with inflated amounts.
The conspiracy allegedly began in October 2019, continuing until the contract was canceled in 2022, according to Brent Swadley's indictment. Swadley’s restaurant chain received $16.7 million from the state before the contract was canceled over allegations of fraudulent activity and improper bidding, according to Drummond.
WATCH: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond speaks after Brent Swadley was convicted in fraud trial
Drummond spoke outside the courtroom following the verdict. He said he was pleased by the ruling and the jury's...
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