Pittsburg County sheriff charged with embezzlement in vehicle scheme

McALESTER, OK (KTUL) — A Pittsburg County sheriff has been charged with embezzlement in a vehicle scheme after a lengthy investigation.

On December 22, 2023, the Pittsburg County District Attorney’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to investigate allegations of embezzlement by Pittsburg County Sheriff Christopher Wayne Morris.

Based on the evidence obtained, investigators learned that Morris personally purchased a 2023 Polaris UTV from a dealership in McAlester for his personal use.

According to an affidavit, Morris then negotiated a trade-in value for the Polaris with the dealership for $31,099.

Morris claimed the vehicle had added accessories, like a lift kit that increased its value, the affidavit stated.

However, the State alleges that Morris removed the accessories from the vehicle when he negotiated the trade-in.

The affidavit states Morris unlawfully caused the Pittsburg County Clerk to purchase the Polaris from the dealership after he’d traded it in.

It was presented to the Pittsburg County Clerk as a new vehicle to bypass state bidding requirements.

Morris then got a new 2024 Can-Am UTV from the dealership after trading the Polaris at an inflated value, and arranging for the Sheriff’s Department to purchase it, according to the affidavit.

Investigators determined Morris to have benefited from this transaction by defrauding Pittsburg County.

Morris was officially charged by the District 27 District Attorney’s Office with Embezzlement of State Property on May 14.

Morris posted on Facebook saying he’s done nothing wrong, and that it’s an orchestrated event to make him look bad before the election.

Read his full statement below.

Election interference is not only happening in our Great nation, but it is happening right here in Pittsburg County Oklahoma.

I have done absolutely nothing wrong! This is an orchestrated event to make me look bad just weeks before the Election, the truth will come out. It is paramount that you keep strong Sheriff with proven leadership for our county. I ask now more than ever for your support, and I ask that all of you stand strong, go vote and keep a constitutional Sheriff that knows his duties, stands up for the citizens of Pittsburg County not only as your Sheriff, but is not afraid to stand up for what is right and be a voice for the people. Let’s keep Pittsburg County going in the right direction and let Sheriff Chris Morris continue to provide you with the BEST Law Enforcement this county has ever seen. 4 More 4 Morris!!!!

This is still an ongoing investigation.

If you have information regarding this case, contact the OSBI at [email protected] or 1-800-522-8017.