The owner of Swadley’s Bar-B-Q has decided to waive his right to a preliminary trial. Brent Swadley and two others are facing felony charges of conspiracy to defraud the state and presenting false or fraudulent claims against the state. They are accused of attempting to overcharge the State Department of Tourism and Recreation in a contract to renovate and operate six Oklahoma state park restaurants.
Tulsa World’s Melissa Jacques writes Swadley maintains his innocence.
A spokeswoman for Swadley says now that they have information that was withheld by the prosecution, “Mr. Swadley made the strategic decision to waive the hearing. We want a jury of 12 citizens to hear this case, and with this waiver, we are one step closer to that goal.”
Read the Tulsa World story here.
