Tulsa Catholic Deacon Embezzlement Charges Filed

Tulsa Catholic deacon embezzlement charges filed in federal case

Tulsa Catholic deacon embezzlement charges have been filed in a federal case involving more than $1.5 million allegedly taken from a local parish.

Authorities say John Sommer, a former deacon and business manager for the Parish of Christ the King (CTK), was formally charged on April 28, 2026.

Federal prosecutors allege the scheme involved unauthorized financial transfers over several months in 2025.

Tulsa Catholic deacon embezzlement charges detail transfer scheme

The Tulsa Catholic deacon embezzlement charges include one count of bank fraud and one count of unlawful monetary transactions.

Investigators say Sommer had authority to initiate ACH transfers up to $30,000 without additional approval.

Authorities allege he carried out at least 77 unauthorized transfers between March 11 and October 8, 2025, keeping each transaction below the approval threshold to avoid detection.

Financial crime investigations of this scale are typically handled by agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Total financial impact exceeds $1.5 million

Federal documents show the total amount moved or attempted was approximately $1,587,322.75, with an estimated actual loss of about $1.46 million.

Parish officials say about $1 million has been recovered through insurance, helping offset a large portion of the loss.

The remaining balance — roughly one-third of the total — is expected to be covered using church reserve funds.

Financial fraud and banking violations are prosecuted under federal law by agencies like the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

Church confirms protected funds were not impacted

Officials with the Diocese of Tulsa and the parish confirmed that certain accounts were not affected.

They say restricted funds, including endowments, capital campaigns, and investment accounts, remained secure.

Sommer reportedly admitted to the unauthorized transfers in October 2025 and was removed from his position shortly afterward.

Church governance and nonprofit financial oversight are also guided by organizations like the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Officials say the case remains ongoing as it proceeds through the federal court system.

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