Attorney General Gentner Drummond Reopens Investigation Into Epic Charter Schools

A decades-long investigation into money mismanagement at Epic Charter Schools has made its way back to the Oklahoma attorney general. 

Gentner Drummond was sworn in as the new attorney general Monday and is taking quick action to take over the case that was previously in the hands of the former Oklahoma County district attorney.

“It is a priority of this office," Attorney General Gentner Drummond said. “The fact that it's the first case pulled up from Oklahoma County illustrates the importance of the case."

Drummond announced he’ll be taking on the prosecution of the Epic Charter School founders and CFO and said this case deals with tens of millions of taxpayer dollars and is in the interest of the entire state, not just Oklahoma County.

“In the case of Epic, it affects all taxpayers in the state of Oklahoma- it impacts all 77 counties and our educational system," Drummond said.

Drummond sent a letter to newly appointed Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna, notifying her he was taking over the case. He said he and Behenna had spoken about the move and were in agreement that it belonged at the highest level of the state.

“It belongs at the State Attorney General's Office," Drummond said.

A 2019 audit revealed what State Auditor Cindy Byrd called “one of the worst” audits she had seen. 

Investigators said millions of taxpayer dollars were being pocketed by Epic founders and CFO; dollars meant for Oklahoma students.

“State Auditor Cindy Byrd did her audit and found that there were issues, and then it was turned over to the state’s attorney general and for whatever reason, perhaps conflict of interest, the attorney general referred that down to the Oklahoma County district attorney," Drummond said.

Then-Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater charged Epic founder Ben Harris, David Chaney and former CFO Josh Brock with racketeering, embezzlement, obtaining money by false pretense and other allegations in June 2022.

“There were dollars misappropriated, malfeasance, embezzlement," Drummond said.

Drummond said any wrongdoing found by his office in this case will be fully prosecuted by the state.

Epic Charter Schools sent News 9 the following statement: 

"Epic Charter School terminated the contract with EYS in May of 2021. While we look forward to the resolution of this case, it has no bearing on our current operations or leadership. Our focus has been and continues to be serving the students and families who choose Epic."

News 9 reached out to newly appointed State Superintendent Ryan Walters who is not commenting on the investigation at this time. 

In the past, Epic was put on probation by the State Department of Education and had millions of funding withheld from the online charter school.