An Oklahoma Department of Human Services employee has been arrested after officials said they believe they misappropriated $2 million, according to the state auditor.
In a statement, State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd said her office repeatedly reported oversight deficiencies within the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHWAP) in its Single Audit reports. Byrd said that during the audit, investigators found urgent concerns and notified DHS management. The case was then turned over to the DHS-Office of Inspector General (OIG). On April 29, OIG agents told the state auditor’s office that they believe an OKDHS employee misappropriated $2 million.
Casey Letran Killion
Attorney General Genntner Drummond, the former employee, Casey Letran Killion, is accused of diverting funds from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) to his own personal use. Both programs are federally funded and meant to help vulnerable Oklahomans pay their utility bills.
“This is theft from Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens, plain and simple. These programs exist as a lifeline for people in our community,” Drummond said. “Public servants are granted a sacred trust, and those who betray it for personal gain will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Officials said they believe the alleged theft occurred between Sept. 1, 2017, and Aug. 1, 2024.
Court documents show the suspect in the investigation is Casey Letran Killion.
OKDHS confirmed that there was an investigation into potential criminal activity connected to one of its programs. The department also said the fraud seemed to be a complex scheme by a single employee who has since been terminated.
In a statement, OKDHS said,
“We can confirm the Office of Inspector General within Oklahoma Human Services initiated a coordinated investigation into potential criminal activity connected to one of our programs. Accountability matters, and this is exactly why our oversight and safeguards exist.
Because this is an active investigation, there are limits to what can be discussed publicly, but it appears to be a complex scheme by a single employee who has since been terminated.
OKDHS routinely evaluates oversight measures, and system changes implemented over the last year appear to have helped prevent this type of activity from continuing.
OKDHS remains committed to protecting the integrity of our programs and the people we serve.
“We applaud the dedication of our Office of Inspector General and Internal Audit teams as they work to uphold the integrity of our programs,” said OKDHS Director Jeffrey Cartmell. “We will continue working with state and federal partners strengthening safeguards against fraud to protect the programs serving vulnerable Oklahomans.”
Governor Kevin Stitt applauded leaders for uncovering the fraud and taking action.
“This administration takes fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars seriously. I’m proud that the leadership at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services did the hard work to root out abuse in the system and moved quickly when they saw a problem,” said Governor Stitt. “DHS leadership identified a bad actor and incorporated all parties across State government to ensure a thorough investigation. Oklahomans can be confident that when fraud and abuse are identified by bad actors, our state agency leaders will act swiftly to protect Oklahoma taxpayer dollars and the populations we serve.”
