Copyright © 1998 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

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Charges Filed In
School Embezzlement Case

Cherokee Press Association
Friday, January 9, 1998

Copyright © 1998 CPA
All Rights Reserved

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 9, 1998
Contact: Dianne Barker-Harrold
(918) 456-6173; Fax (918) 456-1885

Charges Filed in School Embezzlement Case

Stilwell, OK - Charges of Embezzlement, Payment of False Claims and multiple violations of the state Open Meetings Act were filed Friday against two members of the Dahlonegah School Board, District Attorney Dianne Barker-Harrold announced. School board members Brenda Ross and Dora Mae Watie each were charged with seven violations of the Open Meetings Act, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in the county jail and/or a fine of not less than $1,000.

Both were also charged with authorizing over payment of some $12,214 in claims made against the school by board members and employees over a four year period. Barker-Harrold said payment of false claims also carries a maximum penalty of one year in the county jail and/or a minimum $1,000 fine. Ross was charged with two counts of embezzlement, while Watie faces a single embezzlement charge. Each count carries up to 20 years in the state penitentiary.

Assistant District Attorney Frank Madearis has been assigned to prosecute these cases, Barker-Harrold said.

"I expect to file additional charges against other individuals in connection with wrongdoing at Dahlonegah School," Medearis said.

The charges were filed Friday morning in Adair County District Court following a months long investigation by investigators from the office of State Auditor and Inspector Clifton Scott. The complete audit report was expected to be released by Scott's office Friday, Barker-Harrold said.