Leslie Shannon Mack, the former treasurer of Hulbert Public Schools in Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for theft involving federal education funds. Mack, aged 54, was ordered by the court to pay $372,808.09 in restitution.
The case was investigated by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Inspector General. Investigations revealed that from June 2019 to October 2021, Mack issued excessive payroll payments to herself and another individual beyond their authorized salaries while serving as treasurer. Additionally, she allowed unauthorized access to the financial accounting system, resulting in a loss exceeding half a million dollars for Hulbert Public School District.
Hunter McKee from OSBI expressed gratitude towards law enforcement partners involved in the investigation: "The OSBI appreciates the great work conducted by all our law enforcement partners who assisted with this investigation." He emphasized that providing justice is vital.
Edd Cole from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General stated: "I’m proud of the work of OIG Special Agents and our law enforcement partners for holding Ms. Mack accountable for her criminal actions." He added that this sentence should serve as a warning against stealing or misappropriating federal education funds.
U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson remarked on Mack's breach of trust: "As Treasurer, the defendant was entrusted with the obligation to ensure that taxpayer funds were utilized to provide students a quality education." He commended both OSBI and the Department of Education-OIG for their investigative efforts.
Chief U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White presided over the hearing at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Mack is required to report to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility by January 10, 2025.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kara Traster and Joshua Satter represented the prosecution in this case.