GAYLEN DASHON STEPHENS and LENIE EUGENE JENNINGS, both 29 and from Oklahoma City, have been sentenced to federal prison for over 40 months collectively. They are also ordered to pay $177,964.74 in restitution for their involvement in a scheme involving stolen checks from the United States Mail. This announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
The scheme, which took place between March 2023 and October 2023, involved Stephens and Jennings conspiring to forge checks by altering the payee names and depositing them into bank accounts they created. The duo attempted to steal approximately $277,000 during this period.
On July 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury indicted both individuals. Stephens pleaded guilty to bank fraud, admitting his role in depositing a fraudulent check with intent to defraud the bank. Jennings pleaded guilty to bank fraud and conspiracy charges, acknowledging her part in the scheme with Stephens.
At their sentencing on July 21, 2025, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Stephens to 28 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release. Jennings received a sentence of 12 months and one day in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Both were ordered to pay restitution jointly for the total loss reported by victim banks.
Judge Heaton emphasized that crimes involving mail theft and financial institution fraud undermine public trust and warranted the sentences imposed due to their seriousness and potential deterrent effect.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson D. Eldridge.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
