Former Tulsa FOP Treasurer Charged With Stealing Nearly Half Million Dollars

The United States Department of Justice has filed wire fraud charges against a retired Tulsa police officer and former treasurer for the police union, court documents say.

According to the United States Attorney's Office, Lorna "Jean" Vanlandingham, 71, is accused of funneling nearly half a million dollars away from the state and local police organizations in a four-year period.

The leadership of the Fraternal Order of Police Oklahoma Lodge No. 93 in Tulsa said it discovered in April 2014 what appeared to be misappropriation of funds by Vanlandingham. A criminal report was filed with the Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa FOP President Clay Ballenger said. The Federal Bureau of Investigation since has taken over the case.

Vanlandingham, who served as the local treasurer for nearly two decades, immediately was removed from her position after the discovery was made, Ballenger said.

According to documents filed on Thursday in U.S. District Court, federal prosecutors allege Vanlandingham stole $67,278.53 from the Fraternal Order of Police Oklahoma State Lodge, and at least $403,126.98 from the Fraternal Order of Police Oklahoma Lodge No. 93 from 2010-2014.

“We turned over all of the associated documentation and have fully cooperated with the criminal investigators throughout the investigation,” Ballenger said in a statement.

“As police officers, we do not tolerate criminal acts no matter by whom they are committed. Our members work very hard for their money and every one of our over eleven hundred members are victims of this crime. We have faith that justice will be served in the end.”