Jurors begin deliberations in Pilot Flying J rebate case

Friday, February 2, 2018, Vol. 42, No. 5

CHATTANOOGA (AP) — Jurors have begun considering evidence in a federal trial of former employees of the truck stop chain Pilot Flying J. The employees are accused of conspiring to defraud customers in a rebate scam.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports the jury deliberated almost four hours Wednesday in Chattanooga, Tennessee. U.S. District Judge Curtis L. Collier then suspended deliberations until Monday, citing a schedule conflict.

Trial began in November for four people on charges including conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud.

Pilot Flying J is controlled by the family of Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam. The Haslams haven't been charged with any wrongdoing. The governor has not been involved in the company in recent years.