Ryan Cruse
BARTLESVILLE, Okla. –
A former worship minister at a Bartlesville church has been charged with embezzlement after investigators say he stole more than $41,000 from the church over a three-year period.
Ryan Cruse is accused of taking the money while employed at the church, according to Bartlesville police. Investigators believe the thefts may date back even further as they continue reviewing financial records.
Police said a church employee reported the suspected embezzlement. Authorities are still working to determine the total amount allegedly stolen.
Investigators allege Cruse used church funds for personal expenses, including coffee, gas, food, television subscriptions and other purchases.
“What you think is just a small charge or not very important charge can end up adding up,” Lt. Chris Neal of the Bartlesville Police Department said.
Neal said embezzlement cases are common and can go undetected for long periods of time, which can complicate investigations.
“Things like this can go unseen for quite a while,” Neal said. “If it’s too long, it does make it difficult to investigate because that’s further back you have to go to find this stuff.”
Police suspect the total amount taken could exceed the $41,000 already identified.
Neal said organizations should closely monitor who has access to financial accounts and clearly define what purchases are permitted.
Court documents also allege Cruse admitted to watching private counseling sessions and meetings between church staff and members from his home. Investigators say he viewed the sessions to see who was speaking negatively about him and his wife.
Cruse faces three additional counts related to allegedly watching the private counseling sessions.
Representatives of the church declined to comment. Messages left for Cruse and his attorney were not immediately returned.
