Former Bartlesville Minister Charged With Embezzlement and Privacy Violations

Former Bartlesville Minister Charged With Embezzlement and Privacy Violations

A former Bartlesville minister is facing felony charges after prosecutors say he embezzled more than $41,000 from his church and secretly viewed private counseling sessions involving staff and church members.

According to court filings in Washington County District Court, Ryan Cruse is accused of diverting church funds while employed in a leadership role. Authorities allege he used the money for personal expenses including fuel, coffee purchases, and subscription services. The charges include embezzlement under Oklahoma law, which can carry significant penalties depending on the amount involved.

The case is being handled locally, with court records available through the Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) at https://www.oscn.net.

Allegations of Embezzlement From Church Funds

Under Oklahoma Statute Title 21 §1451, embezzlement involves fraudulently converting property entrusted to a person’s care. Prosecutors say Cruse had financial access as part of his church responsibilities and allegedly used that access for unauthorized transactions.

Court documents indicate investigators tracked expenses and banking records over a period of time before filing charges. If convicted, penalties could include restitution and potential prison time.

The investigation was coordinated through local law enforcement with prosecutorial oversight from the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.

Claims of Accessing Private Counseling Sessions

In addition to financial charges, affidavits allege Cruse admitted to accessing or monitoring private counseling sessions and internal meetings between church staff and members. Authorities say he did so in an effort to learn what others were saying about him and his wife.

While details remain limited in public filings, the allegations raise concerns about privacy and potential violations of trust within the church community.

Privacy violations involving recorded or monitored communications can fall under Oklahoma’s wiretapping and surveillance statutes, found in Title 13 of state law, depending on circumstances and consent.

What Happens Next

Cruse has been formally charged and the case will proceed through the Oklahoma court system. A preliminary hearing is expected to determine whether enough evidence exists for trial.

As with all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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