Employee: Haslem knew of alleged fraud
A Pilot Flying J employee told authorities that Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslem knew about rebate fraud that was taking place at the family's truck stop chain, according to an FBI affidavit.
A diesel-fuel rebate rebate program with trucking companies was discussed during sales meetings with Haslem in attendance. Those details were outlined in a 120-page document filed Thursday in federal court in Knoxville, Tenn.
"I maintain that the foundation of this company is built on its integrity and that any willful wrongdoing by any employee of this company at any time is intolerable," Haslem said.
Haslem said the company would conduct its own investigation while continuing to cooperate with federal authorities, who raided the company's headquarters on Monday.
Haslem returned to the Browns' headquarters in the Cleveland area on Thursday as the team prepares for the NFL Draft next week. But He did not comment further on the investigation of the family business.
"We're glad to have him here," Browns CEO Joe Banner said. "He asks good questions. He's a good asset to have as an owner. ... He's very involved with our entire process."
