Pilot Flying J Case: Focus Is On Jimmy Haslam Ties To Conspirator

CHATTANOOGA, TN — The fraud trial involving Pilot Flying J executives and sales representatives is finishing its first week, and the attorney for the company's former president indicated the relationship between Jimmy Haslam and one of the chief conspirators will become a focus of the defense.

The lawyer for former President Mark Hazelwood raised the issue Thursday in the cross-examination of a former director, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported. The ex-director is one of 14 executives and sales representatives who pleaded guilty in the case.

Haslam, who also owns the Cleveland Browns, has denied any prior knowledge about the scheme to defraud unsophisticated trucking company customers and was not charged in the case.

Hazelwood and three others are on trial in Chattanooga.

Photo credit: Wade Payne/Associated Press