Devin Darel Fletcher, 40, the former Chief Learning and Talent Officer for Tulsa Public Schools (TPS), was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill also ordered Fletcher to serve three years of supervised release after his prison term and to pay $593,492.32 in restitution to his victims, including TPS and the Foundation for Tulsa Public Schools.
Fletcher, who served as TPS’s Chief Learning and Talent Officer from August 2016 until his resignation in June 2022, was responsible for overseeing human resources, educational performance, and approving expenditures for certain personnel and consultants. Between August 2018 and March 2022, Fletcher conspired with another individual to fraudulently receive over $448,000 for services that were never performed.
Despite earning a substantial salary of $167,000, Fletcher diverted an additional $137,000 for his own personal benefit. In October 2023, he pleaded guilty to fraud charges for altering and creating fraudulent invoices, purchase orders, and supporting documents.
Abuse of Trust and Abuse of Power
U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson stated that Fletcher’s actions were a “methodical and complete abuse of power,” noting that the stolen funds could have been used to support educational resources, including teachers’ salaries, which would have benefited TPS students directly.
Fletcher’s sentencing marks a significant moment in holding public officials accountable for financial misconduct.
