Epic Charter Schools founders, former CFO arrested by OSBI - OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Epic Charter Schools founders Ben Harris and David Chaney, along with former Chief Financial Officer Joshua Brock, were arrested by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation on Thursday on several charges following a long investigation.

OSBI said the investigation began in 2013 at the request of then-Governor Mary Fallin based on a complaint from the State Department of Education about dual enrollment.

Another request was made six years later by a state legislator concerned about the misappropriation of state funds that were obligated to Epic Blended Learning Centers.

OSBI said it involved, among other things: co-mingling of funds, excessive and unnecessary management fees, the use of Oklahoma tax dollars in California, political influence, concealment of profits, submission of false invoices, and the illegal use of employees.

OSBI said the scheme resulted in a cost to the state of Oklahoma in excess of $22 million.

The trio was taken into custody around 10 a.m. Thursday and booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center. They each have a $250,000 bond.

Statement from Charter Schools and video of the news conference at link. https://okcfox.com/newsletter-daily/epic-charter-school-arrests-ben-harris-david-chaney-josh-brock-oklahoma-osbi-racketeering-embezzlement-conspiracy-computer-crimes-false-documents-unlawful-proceeds-ricky-adams