Trump Pardons Former OVG CEO Tim Leiweke On Bid Rigging Indictment

President Donald Trump has pardoned Tim Leiweke, the former CEO of the venue development and management company, Oak View Group (OVG). Earlier this year, Leiweke was indicted by a Texas grand jury for devising a “conspiracy” to rig the bidding process for developing the project that became the Moody Center in Austin.

The details:

• The clemency document clearing Leiweke of all charges was officially released on December 2.

• According to the indictment, Leiweke made a deal with rival developer Legends Hospitality to cancel its bid for the arena to make OVG the sole qualified bidder.

• Legends Hospitality was promised subcontracts on the project in exchange for its cooperation.

• Leiweke pleaded not guilty to charges that carried a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

• Leiweke had since stepped down as CEO of OVG, though he still owns stock in the company.

• OVG was ordered to pay $15 million, and Legends Hospitality paid $1.5 million.

• In July, Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater, an appointee of Donald Trump, said that the scheme “deprived a public university and taxpayers of the benefits of competitive bidding.”

What they said:

• OVG: “We are happy for Tim that he can now put this matter behind him. OVG has remained steadfastly focused on delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients under the leadership of our CEO, Chris Granger.”

• Leiweke: “This has been a long and difficult journey for my wife, my daughter, and me. The President has given us a new lease on life with which we will be grateful and good stewards.”