Federal judge allows some claims to proceed against truck-stop company owned by Haslams

A federal judge has allowed several trucking companies to press claims they were cheated by a truck-stop company owned by Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and his family.

The judge also granted Pilot Flying J's motion to dismiss several other counts against the retailer Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Amul Thapar dismissed seven of 11 civil claims against Haslam, the company's CEO, and allowed four others to go forward. Haslam has not been charged with any crime.

The trucking companies claim they were cheated out of fuel rebates and discounts promised by Pilot Flying J, the nation's largest diesel retailer.

One of the plaintiffs' attorneys, Leonard Leicht, said the ruling means Pilot's efforts to delay the case are over. Pilot attorney Aubrey Harwell said the retailer will fight the ongoing claims.