The former President of Pilot Flying J, Mark Hazelwood, has received a target letter from federal prosecutors to let him know that he has become the official target of an investigation linking him to the fuel rebate scam that was uncovered at PFJ almost a year and a half ago following a raid of their headquarters by the FBI.
Hazelwood left PFJ earlier this year for apparently unrelated reasons, but this letter makes him now the highest ranking current or former PFJ employee to be an official target of investigation in the fuel rebate case.
As of now, 10 other PFJ employees have pled guilty to various charges stemming from their roles in the scheme and every single one of them have agreed to testify against others in the case.
The initial affidavit that was released following the FBI raid included some transcripts from recordings taken by an informant. Hazelwood was often featured in those recordings, describing which sorts of customers to cheat including “less sophisticated customers,” Hispanic customers, and over-trusting “Aunt Bea” types, referencing the character from the Andy Griffith Show.
According to attorney and correspondent for an NBC affiliate in Tennessee, Dennis Francis, prosecutors will likely ask for Hazelwood’s help and cooperation. Though Jimmy Haslam (CEO of Pilot Flying J, owner of the Cleveland Browns, and brother to Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam) has not been charged with a crime or issued a target letter, if the feds are looking to make a deal with Hazelwood, there’s only one person higher up the chain than him.
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Deborah L says
And the finger pointing goes round and round, maybe to the top finally.
Cary Davis says
The one holding the reigns, the CEO, will not see a day in court. His connection will prevent that whether he is guilty or not. The rich are not subject to the same laws “We the People” are.
John S says
Have to laugh how Pilot is trying to save face along with FlyingJ and offering free daily showers to those who buy 600 gallons in a months time. Yea, I suppose they are hurting after the whole rebate scam. I don’t buy a lot of fuel from either FlyingJ or Pilot. Sometimes I have no choice but I certainly don’t count on them to do right by me as a truck owner anymore. Won’t buy into their rebate programs anymore. Sell me fuel at a good price or I will go elsewhere.
inthespirit says
Have you ever added up how much you leave at the truck stops and then compare your purchases to a regular priced stores? Feel like you’re leaving half your pay?