OKLAHOMA CITY (May 28, 2026) –Attorney General Gentner Drummond today lauded the guilty verdict handed down by an Oklahoma County jury to Brent Swadley for defrauding the state after contracting with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department to open Swadley’s Foggy Bottom restaurants at select state parks.
“Brent Swadley stole millions of dollars from Oklahoma taxpayers, and he will now face the consequences of those actions,” Drummond said. “During my time as attorney general, I have made it a priority to hold accountable those who cheat the system for personal gain. Today is a win for Oklahoma and for the rule of law.”
Just after taking office in January 2023, Drummond directed his office to work with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation on the probe into Swadley’s contract with the State. In February 2024, the Multi-County Grand Jury indicted Swadley and two others for conspiracy to defraud the state. The other two defendants, Curtis Breuklander and Timothy Hooper, pleaded guilty last week as the trial commenced.
Swadley was convicted on six felony counts of fraud after presenting false invoices to the Tourism Department for payment of public funds and directing a restaurant equipment supplier to fabricate invoices with inflated amounts for equipment. The Swadley’s conspiracy began in October 2019 and lasted until 2022. Swadley’s restaurant chain received $16.7 million from the State before the contract was canceled over allegations of fraudulent activity and improper bidding.
During the two-week trial, the State called 11 witnesses to the stand and introduced 52 exhibits that contained hundreds of pages of financial documents supporting the charges of fraud.
Sentencing has been set for July 16.
