TULSA, Okla. — A former volunteer treasurer is facing embezzlement charges for allegedly stealing over $130,000 from Oklahomans for Equality, a local nonprofit.
We first reported this story in October 2023, when Paul Allen was put under investigation. Allen served as treasurer from 2008 to 2022.
Recent court documents said Allen was asked by the board of directors to complete an audit and accused him of continually lying about its progress.
In January 2022, Allen allegedly could not provide audit details, including the name of the accounting firm they were using. In February 2022, Allen reportedly admitted to lying about submitting the audit and made a fraudulent one himself.
The next day, Allen resigned as treasurer.
After his resignation, OKEQ hired a Certified Public Accountant to perform an audit and submitted those findings to Tulsa police.
A forensic audit found that OKEQ potentially lost $135,077.56.
Allen allegedly wrote over $66,000 in checks to himself and charged over $82,000 to the company credit card.
Last year, the organization's executive director, Dorothy Ballard, clarified the misappropriated money did not come from grant funds, but from the organization's operational budget.
"We've suffered numerous losses... in trust, revenue, and support because of this; the actions of one individual," expressed Ballard.
In response, the organization is bolstering its financial policies.
"Multi-step verification for any payments and invoices we receive," explained Ballard. "We no longer issue credit cards to employees. No one has access to credit lines anymore... multiple signers on any checks, and those are sent either electronically or via mail. We have four different people with eyeballs on everything."
Other changes include auditing more frequently and public town halls each quarter. Ballard said the agenda for these is "giving people an update just on general operations and what we have going on in terms of programming. Then, a look at our financials for that quarter."
A new Executive Finance Committee was added to the organization.
Ballard said the non-profit reported its findings to Tulsa police. As authorities investigate, Ballard is hoping for healing in the community.
"We're working towards, hopefully, a resolution towards justice," said Ballard. "As soon as we became aware, we acted. We are all hurt and saddened by it."
Below is the full statement from Oklahomans for Equality:
Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) recently completed the process of a forensic audit examining the fiscal years of 2018 through 2022, and shared those findings with our members and the public during our inaugural Town Hall on Monday, Oct. 10. The audit revealed the misappropriation of general operating funds over that period by a former volunteer treasurer in the amount of $135,077.56. Those findings have been handed over to local authorities for criminal review. We believe in being forthcoming with our community, which is why we have been transparent about OkEq's past financial mismanagement. Our commitment to transparency stems from our core mission: to promote and protect the rights, health, and well-being of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Oklahoma.
Since our leadership transition began last year, our team and processes have undergone a significant transformation, with accountability as a guiding principle. We understand that our mission extends beyond advocacy; it encompasses responsible financial management, transparency, and accountability as integral components of our service to the community. OkEq remains deeply committed to serving the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Oklahoma, not only by championing their rights and well-being but also by setting an example as a model organization for responsible financial management and transparency. Our ultimate aim is to reestablish trust and confidence within our community, aligning our actions with the values and needs of those we are privileged to serve.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- SUBSCRIBE on YouTube
