Rebecca Deanne Morehead, a former encumbrance clerk and activities coordinator for the Hulbert Public School District in Oklahoma, has been sentenced to twelve months and one day in federal prison for theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. The sentencing took place in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, where Morehead was also ordered to pay $178,758.16 in restitution.
The case resulted from an investigation conducted by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General (OIG). According to investigators, between June 2019 and October 26, 2021, Morehead issued herself unauthorized payroll and miscellaneous payments that exceeded her contracted salary. She carried out these actions with assistance from then-Treasurer Leslie Shannon Mack. Their combined conduct led to a financial loss exceeding half a million dollars for the Hulbert Public School District.
Leslie Shannon Mack was previously sentenced on December 11, 2024, to twelve months and one day in prison and ordered to pay $372,808.09 in restitution.
John Woolley, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education OIG Central Regional Office stated: “I’m proud of the work of OIG Special Agents and our law enforcement partners for holding Ms. Morehead accountable for her criminal actions. This sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who intentionally steals or misappropriates Federal education funds: you will be caught and held accountable for your unlawful actions.”
Hunter McKee, Public Information Manager with OSBI said: “The OSBI appreciates the great work conducted by the United States Department of Education, as well as our local law enforcement partners, who assisted us throughout this investigation. Protecting our school districts against these type of crimes is critical across all of Oklahoma. We want to thank everyone who stepped up and helped obtain justice in this case.”
United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson commented: “The defendants’ misappropriation of public funding stole opportunity out of the pockets of students and families of the Hulbert Public School District. This sentence and restitution stand as a warning that crimes against the public trust will be investigated and prosecuted.”
Senior District Judge Ronald A. White presided over the hearing. Morehead is scheduled to self-report on March 13, 2026, to begin serving her sentence at a designated federal facility without parole eligibility.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kara Traster and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus represented the government during prosecution.
