Former Epic Charter Schools CFO describes alleged political retaliation after audit as founders face criminal case

Key testimony expands on alleged political strategy amid long-running Epic Charter Schools prosecution

Former Epic Charter Schools Chief Financial Officer Joshua Brock testified in Oklahoma County District Court that Epic’s co-founders sought “retribution” after a state audit scrutinized the school’s finances, describing efforts he said were aimed at undermining the elected state auditor who oversaw the review.

The testimony came during preliminary hearing proceedings for Epic co-founders David Chaney and Ben Harris, who face multiple felony counts tied to alleged financial wrongdoing connected to the virtual charter school’s operations. Brock, who is also charged in the case, has testified under an agreement that would allow him to avoid prison in exchange for cooperation. Under the deal described in court, he would plead guilty, receive a suspended sentence and serve 15 years of probation while paying restitution.

Alleged effort to influence auditor race

Brock told the court he believed Chaney and Harris were prepared to provide financial backing if he ran for Oklahoma state auditor, but said he ultimately decided not to pursue the office after meeting with a political consultant. He also testified that political committees later funded advertising intended to defeat State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd in the 2022 Republican primary.

Prosecutors argued in court that the alleged political activity reflected an attempt to “bury the evidence” after the school’s leadership came under scrutiny. The preliminary hearing is being overseen by Special Judge Jason Glidewell, who is expected to decide whether the case against Chaney and Harris proceeds to trial once testimony concludes.

Claims of targeting legislative critics

Brock also testified that Chaney and Harris focused on defeating state Sen. Ron Sharp, a vocal critic of Epic in the Legislature. Sharp, a Shawnee Republican, lost in a 2020 runoff. Brock said a political consulting firm was paid to recruit candidates to run against Sharp.

Business structure and profit shielding allegation

In additional testimony, Brock described what he said were steps to limit public visibility into profits connected to Epic’s operations, including the creation of a technology company he said had no employees. He testified that the company was established in response to legislative changes and was intended to reduce financial transparency.

Broader context: Epic’s scale, audits and ongoing oversight

Epic began operating as a virtual charter school in 2011 and grew rapidly, surpassing 60,000 students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The school later cut ties with Chaney, Harris and Brock in 2021. Separate from the criminal case involving the former leaders, Epic has faced continued scrutiny over financial governance. In 2025, the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board approved an external review after a financial crisis led to layoffs and program changes, and a subsequent forensic investigation commissioned by the board was presented in January 2026.

• Proceedings remain at the preliminary hearing stage for Chaney and Harris.
• Brock’s testimony is central to the state’s effort to establish intent and internal decision-making.
• Judge Glidewell will determine whether the co-founders must stand trial.

The criminal charges against the former Epic leaders are allegations that have not been adjudicated at trial. Chaney and Harris have pleaded not guilty.