McClendon was known as either a pioneer of the U.S. shale oil industry boom โ or derided as the King of Fracking โ depending on whom you ask. But, Tuesday's indictment was not the first time he'd had trouble with the law concerning his enormously profitable business practices.
McClendon had issued a statement prior to his death, reported by Zero Hedge, in which he vowed to fight the charges:
"The charge that has been filed against me today is wrong and unprecedented. I have been singled out as the only person in the oil and gas industry in over 110 years since the Sherman Act became law to have been accused of this crime in relation to joint bidding on leasehold. Anyone who knows me, my business record and the industry in which I have worked for 35 years, knows that I could not be guilty of violating any antitrust laws. All my life I have worked to create jobs in Oklahoma, grow its economy, and to provide abundant and affordable energy to all Americans. I am proud of my track record in this industry, and I will fight to prove my innocence and to clear my name."
Comment: Dead men tell no tales.....