Oklahoma Judge Moves Epic Charter Schools Embezzlement Case Forward | AP News

By JENNIFER PALMER/Oklahoma Watch Nearly four years after their arrests, the criminal case against Epic Charter Schools’ founders took a step forward Thursday.Oklahoma County Special Judge Jason Glidewell concluded prosecutors presented enough evidence for nearly all of the charges against David Chaney, 47, and Ben Harris, 50, to move forward to trial. Prosecutors in 2022 charged Chaney and Harris with 14 felonies each in connection with their roles managing the online school, alleging they diverted tens of millions of dollars meant for students’ education into their private companies. They are charged under the state’s racketeering statute with embezzlement, conspiracy and fraud.The judge on Thursday dismissed one count of embezzlement against Chaney and Harris, as well as one count of computer fraud against Chaney. Probable cause exists for the remaining charges, Glidewell determined. A formal arraignment is scheduled for June 24. The judge also addressed Chaney and Harris’ key defense; their attorneys claimed the public funds became private once deposited into their business accounts. Glidewell said he didn’t find that persuasive. The money remains public, he said, until its purpose is fulfilled. The state auditor, whose audit in 2020 triggered the criminal charges, called the scheme the largest abuse of taxpayer