By Nick Budnick / The Bulletin
SALEM — The drama around the bankruptcy and hoped-for rescue of the city-subsidized aircraft-maker Epic Air of Bend may not be over, as the company’s failure appears to be the subject of an FBI probe.
Earlier this month, the remains of Epic were purchased by a collaboration between a Chinese-government-owned aircraft company and a group of former Epic customers that aims to continue manufacturing kit-built aircraft in Bend.
Now, the customer group, called LT Builders Group, is trying to sort out property claims against the former company. It’s also hoping to get access to Epic’s files, which have been seized by the FBI, according to the customer group’s Daryl Ingalsbe.
“When the FBI seizes files, they pretty much don’t give them back,” said Ingalsbe, adding that he’s been in touch with the agency about accessing the seized files. “What we’re going to do is go to the FBI in Bend and see which (documents) we need and pay to have them copied.”
He said he and another leader of LT Builders Group, Doug King, have been interviewed by an FBI agent. Ingalsbe said that if crimes were committed, he hopes the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“We think that people that steal from other people ought to be prosecuted,” he said.
Rick Schrameck, Epic’s former CEO, did not respond to voicemails and a text message requesting comment. In a brief telephone interview earlier this month, he declined to comment on Epic and hung up on a reporter.
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Kerry ONeal is a business owner and real estate broker specializing in unique properties, including several hangars at the Bend Airport.