OKLAHOMA CITY – A former State of Oklahoma contractor has turned himself in after he was indicted by the Multi-County Grand Jury. Jacob Paul McElhaney, 41, faces up to eight years in prison and a fine up to $10,000 for embezzlement of state property valued at more than $15,000.
According to the indictment that was recently unsealed, McElhaney stole computer equipment from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) while working as a contractor for the agency between Sept. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2024. He allegedly used his work access to take and sell ODOT computers and computer parts without permission, then pocketed the money from those sales.
“Public employees and contractors who abuse their positions of trust to steal from Oklahoma taxpayers will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Gentner Drummond. “This case demonstrates our office’s commitment to protecting state resources and ensuring that those who violate the public trust face the full force of the law.”
McElhaney is charged with one count of embezzlement, a felony under Oklahoma law.
Every person arrested or indicted is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.
