Swadley's asking for millions more after signing state contract
A forensic audit has been requested into the contract between Oklahoma and Swadley's Foggy Bottom.
The amount of time this investigation takes could depend on the number of transactions between the state and Swadley's Foggy Bottom.
The Oklahoma County District Attorney requested a forensic audit after the state put up more than $16 million to Swadley's Foggy Bottom for management fees, construction costs and reimbursements for losses the restaurants are facing
"If there's a vender out there or there's a contract that this contractor or this vendor is not performing correctly or over-charging the state, we will find that out, we will terminate that, we will sue that vendor and we will get the tax payers money back," said Gov. Kevin Stitt, R - Oklahoma.
Daniel Power, CPA, CEO and President of Powers Forensics Co., who is familiar with the state auditors, said every project comes with its surprises.
"First off they're gonna have to look at what procedures are required by the state when bidding a contract of this type," Powers said. "What was agreed to and you have to make sure what was agreed to is what was allowed by the state."
Taking a look at the original contract between Swadley's and the state, it details projected management fees and construction costs. But thorough e-mails obtained from FOIA requests showed that within days of signing the contract, millions more dollars were requested on multiple occasions.
"There are definitely checks and balances involved and anything done by the state, I would imagine, that would make sure the tax payer's money is not at risk," said Powers.
Powers said the state auditors could hand-off their findings to possibly a civil judge, or for mediation, or binding arbitration, all in an effort to protect the tax payer.
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