Preliminary Hearing Continues for Epic Co-Founders' Criminal Case

Charges include racketeering and embezzlement of state funds against the founders of Epic Charter Schools

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The preliminary hearing for the two co-founders of Epic Charter Schools, David Chaney and Ben Harris, has continued after a nearly two-year delay. The former Chief Financial Officer, Joshua Brock, testified and reached a tentative agreement with the state in exchange for his testimony. Prosecutors allege that money from Epic's Student Learning Fund was used illegally, but the defense argues it was a private account owned by Epic Youth Services.

Why it matters

The case against the Epic Charter Schools co-founders has drawn significant attention due to the scale of the alleged financial wrongdoing and the impact it could have on the charter school system in Oklahoma. The outcome of this preliminary hearing will determine if the case proceeds to trial.

The details

Chaney and Harris face charges including racketeering and embezzlement of state funds, as well as obtaining money by false pretenses. Brock, the former CFO, reached a tentative agreement with the state to testify in exchange for 15 years' probation and restitution with a suspended sentence. Brock spent the day on the witness stand, with questions centered around Epic's Student Learning Fund, which prosecutors allege was used illegally. However, the defense argues the fund was a private account owned by Epic Youth Services, so the funds cannot be embezzled.

  • The preliminary hearing for the Epic Charter Schools co-founders has continued after a nearly two-year delay.
  • In 2024, Joshua Brock, the former CFO, reached a tentative agreement with the state in exchange for his testimony.
  • The preliminary hearing is expected to end on Friday, with the possibility of continuing into next week.

The players

David Chaney

Co-founder of Epic Charter Schools, facing an array of charges including racketeering and embezzlement of state funds.

Ben Harris

Co-founder of Epic Charter Schools, facing an array of charges including racketeering and embezzlement of state funds.

Joshua Brock

Former Chief Financial Officer of Epic Charter Schools, who reached a tentative agreement with the state in exchange for his testimony.

Cindy Byrd

Oklahoma State Auditor, whose 2020 audit of Epic revealed financial wrongdoing.

Gary Wood

Attorney for David Chaney.

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What they’re saying

“The State has now admitted that Mr. Chaney and Mr. Harris did not embezzle public funds. Bank records of Epic Youth Services admitted as exhibits by the State establish that Epic Youth Services is the sole owner of the funds they are charged with embezzling. Epic Youth Services is exclusively owned by David Chaney and Ben Harris.”

— Gary Wood, Attorney for David Chaney (KFOR)

What’s next

Special Judge Jason Glidewell will decide if there's enough evidence for the case to go to trial after the preliminary hearing concludes, which is expected to happen on Friday or potentially continue into next week.

The takeaway

The case against the Epic Charter Schools co-founders has drawn significant attention due to the scale of the alleged financial wrongdoing, and the outcome of this preliminary hearing will determine if the case proceeds to trial, which could have major implications for the charter school system in Oklahoma.