After stealing around $600K intended for students and staff, a Tulsa school official’s well-thought-out fraud operation leaves the system in shock.#Oklahoma #TulsaOK #News #Crime
Oklahoma’s TULSA For embezzling about $600,000, a former Oklahoma official from Tulsa Public Schools was given a term of roughly three years in federal prison. Devin Darel Fletcher, 40, diverted cash intended for the district and entered a guilty plea to wire fraud. The Northern District of Oklahoma U.S. Attorney’s Office imposed the sentence on November 26, 2024.
A Methodical Abuse of Trust
Fletcher used his position in the district to his advantage in a methodical and deliberate manner. Fletcher was the Chief Learning and Talent Officer for Tulsa Public Schools from August 2016 until his resignation in June 2022. He had a lot of power in his position, which included managing human resources, evaluating academic achievement, and authorizing staff and consultant expenses.
According to court records, Fletcher, who had a master’s degree in professional accounting, stole money from the district by using his knowledge to falsify purchase orders, invoices, and other papers. Fletcher’s co-conspirator received more than $448,000 in fraudulent payments for phony services between August 2018 and March 2022. Fletcher himself also took $137,000 at this period.
The Impact on Tulsa Public Schools
Beyond the numbers on paper, Fletcher’s actions inflicted even more financial harm. According to U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson, the money that was stolen might have been used to pay instructors’ wages, which would have directly benefited Tulsa students. According to a statement from Johnson, this money could have paid for the wages of other teachers, which would have directly helped the pupils.
Fletcher’s loss of public confidence was especially harmful because of his position in the district. He oversaw crucial operations that affected both employees and students in his capacity as Chief Learning and Talent Officer. Concerns regarding accountability and transparency in public institutions have been raised by his acts.
Legal Consequences and Accountability
Fletcher was compelled to pay $593,492.32 in reparations and received a 30-month sentence in federal prison. The goal of this restitution is to get back the money that was taken during the fraud scheme. The case also serves as a warning that abusing authority for one’s own benefit might have grave repercussions.
“The defendant betrayed the trust of the citizens of Tulsa and intentionally stole funds meant for the betterment of students,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater said, underscoring the seriousness of the offense. He added that Fletcher’s punishment makes him answerable and conveys the idea that such conduct in public service is unacceptable.
Fletcher will voluntarily turn himself in to prison at a later time and has been permitted to stay on bond.
RELATED TOPICS: Oklahoma Crime
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