Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Former Pilot Flying J Execs Take Plea Bargain in Fuel Skimming Scandal

Four former Pilot Flying J executives accused in a diesel fuel rebate scandal have agreed to cooperate with federal investigators.

by Staff
July 25, 2017
Former Pilot Flying J Execs Take Plea Bargain in Fuel Skimming Scandal

Pilot Flying J paid $85 million to settle with customers affected by a fuel rebate scandal and an additional $92 million in fines. Photo: TruckingInfo.com

2 min to read


Pilot Flying J paid $85 million to settle with customers affected by a fuel rebate scandal and an additional $92 million in fines. Photo: TruckingInfo.com

In a case dating from 2012, four former Pilot Flying J executives accused of skimming money in a diesel fuel rebate scam have struck a plea deal and agreed to cooperate with federal investigators.

Ad Loading...

According to The Washington Post , vice president of sales for the company, John Freeman, who authorities say was the mastermind of the scheme, former regional sales manager John Spiewak, former direct sales group supervisor Vicki Borden, and former sales representative Katy Bibee have all agreed to the plea bargain.

Ad Loading...

A federal investigation into the fuel scam led to criminal charges against executives at the company, resulting in an $85 million settlement with some of the defrauded customers as well as a $92 million penalty to the government. Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam claims to have had no knowledge of the scheme.

In statement, the company said it was “sadden” by the admission of wrongdoing and noted it has taken steps to “make whole every customer negatively affected” by the scandal and taken steps to make sure such activity never happens again.

The company also said that "It is Pilot Flying J’s commitment to be a great partner to trucking companies across North America, always focusing our undivided attention on the best interests of our customers, team members and business.”

Trial is set in Federal court in Chattanooga, TN, for the remaining Pilot Flying J executives indicted in the scandal, including former Pilot president Mark Hazelwood, former vice president Scott “Scooter” Wombold, and two other former members of the sales team, Heather Jones and Karen Mann, according to the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

Related: Date and Location Set for Pilot Fuel Rebate Fraud Trial

More Fleet Management

Illustration with ATRI logo and square blocks spelling out "research"
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeApril 20, 2026

'Beyond Compliance,' Regulations, Driver Coaching on ATRI’s 2026 Research List

The American Transportation Research Institute will examine driver coaching, regulatory impacts — including the "Beyond Compliance" concept —and weather disruptions that shape trucking operations.

Read More →
Brian Antonellis, senior vice president, fleet operations, Fleet Advantage.
Fleet Managementby Jack RobertsApril 17, 2026

Fleet Advantage's Brian Antonellis on the Growing Need to Replace Old Trucks

Fleet Advantage's Brian Antonellis says it's time for fleets to get back to the fundamentals of good maintenance practices. And that includes replacing older, inefficient equipment.

Read More →
Illustration of computer and mobile screens with load matching software superimposed over photo of an oversize load
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 17, 2026

Truckstop.com Adding to Open Deck, Heavy Haul Offerings

Load matching for flatbed, lowbed, oversize and overweight loads can't be automated like basic van freight, but Truckstop.com is adding more high-tech tools to help.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Trucker Path, Truckstop.com partnership expands.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 14, 2026

Trucker Path, Truckstop.com Expand Load Access Partnership

An expanded Trucker Path and Truckstop.com integration brings more freight opportunities into the TruckLoads app while emphasizing security and network quality.

Read More →
DAT TVI March 2026.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 14, 2026

Truckload Rates Hit Two-Year Highs as Diesel Costs Surge, DAT Says

Strong March freight demand combined with a spike in fuel costs pushed both spot and contract truckload rates to their highest levels in more than two years.

Read More →
Cloud computing concept background with human and robot hands concept
Fleet ManagementApril 14, 2026

The AI Conversation You Need to Have with Your TMS Provider

Everyone’s talking about AI — but is your transportation management system actually built for it?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Sharp Transportation tractor-trailer
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 14, 2026

Kriska Buys Fellow Canadian Carrier Sharp Transportation Systems

Being part of KTG will allow Sharp to expand and improve its services.

Read More →
Illustration with stacks of money and a shattered car windshield
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

Bill in House Would Raise Minimum Insurance for Motor Carriers to $5 Million

The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act would increase insurance requirements for interstate motor carriers by nearly seven times.

Read More →
FTR market report for February 2026.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 10, 2026

FTR Trucking Conditions Index Hits Four-Year High in February

Strong freight rates push TCI to 10.2, but FTR expects fuel-price volatility to skew March results.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
C.H. Robinson intermodal.

C.H. Robinson Offers Carriers Relief as Diesel Prices Surge

C.H. Robinson is waiving fees on fuel cards and cash advances for April and May, aiming to help carriers offset rising diesel costs tied to geopolitical instability.

Read More →