FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 19, 2012

Contact info:
M. Scott Carter, President
Oklahoma Pro chapter
Society of Professional Journalists
(405) 589-1933, mobile
email: mcarter14@cox.net

The board of directors of the Oklahoma Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists announced today that it will consult with law enforcement officials regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds from the organization’s account.

An ongoing internal investigation determined more than $40,000 in unauthorized withdrawals were made from the organization’s checking account. Oklahoma SPJ president M. Scott Carter said the board members voted unanimously on Friday to take the action.

“This has been a very difficult time for everyone involved in the Oklahoma Pro Chapter,” he said. “But we’re now at the next stage in our investigation and that includes meeting with law enforcement officials.”

Carter said the board also voted to retain outside legal counsel and authorized a forensic audit of the organization’s finances. He said the Oklahoma Pro chapter has, over the past week, raised funds to cover most of the group’s outstanding invoices.

“Our fundraising efforts are ongoing,” he said. “But we’re very confident that we will have the funds in place to pay all outstanding bills and get our organization back on solid financial ground.”

May 15, 2012
 

Contact info:
M. Scott Carter, President
Oklahoma Pro chapter
Society of Professional Journalists
(405) 589-1933, mobile
email: mcarter14@cox.net

Carol Cole-Frowe, Vice President/Programming
Oklahoma Pro chapter
Society of Professional Journalists
(405) 326-4539, mobile
email: carol.colefrowe@gmail.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The board of the Oklahoma Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists announced today following a special meeting Friday, May 11, that information had surfaced that showed unauthorized withdrawals had been made from the chapter’s checking account.

Scott Cooper, the chapter’s Treasurer-Secretary has resigned from the organization. Cooper also served as SPJ Region 8 director, over Oklahoma and Texas SPJ chapters.

Oklahoma Pro Chapter president M. Scott Carter said a preliminary review of the account shows more than $40,000 in unauthorized withdrawals were made.

Carter said SPJ Oklahoma Pro chapter officers continue to gather information about the incident. He said the withdrawals were discovered late in the day on May 8, when chapter leadership was notified of checks returned because of insufficient funds.

“We’re continuing to gather information,” Carter said. “Once we have finished, that information will be turned over to the proper authorities.”

Carter said the chapter’s popular annual awards contest will continue and is not in jeopardy. He said the incident was isolated and actions have been taken to protect SPJ assets.

Carter said the organization is in the process of notifying its vendors to assure them the chapter would cover any outstanding invoices. 

-- 30 --