Norman city councilman charged in embezzlement investigation

Norman City Councilman Austin Ball is facing criminal charges after prosecutors accused him of misusing campaign funds, according to court records.

Ball, who represents Ward 1, has been charged with misdemeanor embezzlement following an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) probe into his 2023 campaign spending reports.

Prosecutors filed charges last week, alleging Ball and his wife, Kayla Ball, used campaign donations for personal expenses, including McDonald’s, dollar store purchases, and a dental procedure to have an infected tooth removed.

A warrant has been issued for Ball’s arrest, and he is expected to turn himself in to authorities.

Ball has denied wrongdoing, telling the OU Daily that he finds the timing of the charges questionable, as they come just days before the February 11 election.