FBI Investigates Wrongdoing In Tulsa Public Schools' Athletic Department

In a statement Friday by TPS Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard, the FBI has joined with the investigation begun earlier this year by the district involving criminal wrongdoing.

Friday, March 16th 2012, 10:09 am

By: News On 6


The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now involved in an investigation surrounding Tulsa Public Schools Athletic Department.

In a statement issued Friday by TPS Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard, the FBI has joined with the investigation begun earlier this year by the district involving criminal wrongdoing.

Ballard says as a result of talks with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Tulsa, the FBI was brought into the investigation.

He says the reason, "the investigation has uncovered activities that could potentially be a violation of federal law."

Earlier this year, Ballard told News On 6, the school district is looking into reports of embezzlement and misappropriations of funds.

2/15/2012 Tulsa Public Schools Athletic Department Faces Embezzlement Allegations

Dr. Stephanie Spring resigned as the TPS' athletic director January 20, 2012, after her and assistant athletic directors Jon Wheeler and Trish Pruitt were suspended in November.

Pruitt has since returned to work.

01/25/2012 Related Story: Tulsa Public Schools Athletic Director Stephanie Spring Resigns

Detectives were investigating whether they hacked into an employee's personal emails.

Statement from TPS' Dr. Keith Ballard,

"The investigation has uncovered activities that could potentially be a violation of federal law. As a result, discussions were initiated between TPS, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma and the Tulsa office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Based on these discussions TPS has agreed to move forward in this investigation in concert with federal authorities.

"Frankly, I am quite pleased that TPS will be able to benefit from the additional resources the U.S. Attorney and the FBI bring to the investigation.

"I want to be very clear about one thing . . . We take our role as stewards of our district's financial resources very seriously. We will continue to investigate allegations of inappropriate conduct and criminal behavior that is brought to our attention. Our integrity – and the example we set for students – demands nothing less from us.

"Until the investigation is completed, we appreciate the patience and understanding of the public as we work through the processes necessary to complete this inquiry. TPS greatly appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI, so we can keep our attention squarely focused where it needs to be – on the educational needs of our students. Thank you."

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