Pilot Flying J Truck Stop Chain: Federal Fraud Trial Delayed

CHATTANOOGA, TN — The federal fraud trial of four former executives at the Pilot Flying J truck stop chain — controlled by the family of Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam — was originally scheduled to begin Tuesday, but was postponed until Nov. 6.

Court records didn't shed any light as to what caused the delay.

Knoxville-based Pilot, one of the largest privately owned companies in the country, is run by Jimmy Haslam. He and his brother denied any prior knowledge of a diesel fuel rebate scam that caused Pilot to pay an $85 million settlement with defrauded customers, and an additional a $92 million penalty to the government.

Fourteen former members of the Pilot sales team previously have pleaded guilty.

Photo credit: Mark Humphrey/Associated Press; Associated Press