Photo: Vladstudioraw / iStock / Getty Images
A former Chief Learning and Talent Officer for Tulsa Public Schools has pleaded guilty on charges in connection to a scheme that cost the district more than $600,000.
U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson announced 39 year old Devin Darel Fletcher pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to court documents, Fletcher was hired in August of 2016 to be the District’s Chief Academic Officer. He was further promoted to be the District’s Chief Learning and Talent Officer prior to his resignation in June 2022.
Fletcher was responsible for human resources and educational performance issues throughout TPS. Among other things, Fletcher was entrusted with limited hiring and firing authority for certain personnel, including consultants where he had limited expenditure approval authority.
While working for TPS, Fletcher, admitted to working with another person to create, alter, and fabricate fraudulent invoices, purchase orders and supporting documents to defraud TPS and the Foundation for Tulsa Schools. The Foundation is a public charity recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to build a better community through the support of TPS by providing education resources via donated funds. In total, Fletcher’s fraudulent actions caused a loss of at least $603,992.32 to TPS and the Foundation.
Devin Darel Fletcher was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing and will be sentenced at a later date. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David D. Whipple is prosecuting the case.