Yukon Woman Admits Guilt in Oklahoma City Nonprofit Theft, Faces Decade in Prison

A 65-year-old Yukon woman, Debra Kaye Lyons, has pleaded guilty to a federal program theft charge. U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester announced the guilty plea following an investigation orchestrated by the United States Secret Service, which uncovered the theft from an Oklahoma City nonprofit organization. Lyons, who worked for the nonprofit, was responsible for coordinating cell phone purchases for the organization which received federal funds. According to the

U.S. Attorney’s Office

, she misused the nonprofit’s corporate account to purchase cell phones and reselling them for personal gain between January 13, 2022, and January 13, 2023.

The case, which has seen Lyons charged by Amended Information for her role in the theft, resulted in the nonprofit suffering losses upwards of $5,000. During the sentencing hearing last Tuesday, Lyons was confronted with up to a decade in federal prison and could be fined a maximum of $250,000. Admitting her guilt, Lyons acknowledged that the property she stole from the nonprofit involved using its corporate account to facilitate the purchase and subsequent sale of cell phones for her own benefit.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry is leading the prosecution, as Lyons now awaits her sentence. Her guilty plea has brought this matter closer to conclusion, with accountability being sought for her actions under the federal law. When sentencing, Lyons faces significant prison time and financial penalties, reasserting the seriousness with which these types of crimes are taken.

Public filings provide further details about the case and Lyons’ position with the organization from 2007 to January 2023. While the investigation was carried out by the Secret Service, it’s the Office of the U.S. Attorney that has communicated the details of Lyons’ wrongdoings and the repercussions that follow. For those who fell victim to Lyons’ scheme, the pleading guilty represents a sobering reminder of the fiduciary trust placed in employees of such organizations and the betrayal felt when that trust is violated.

Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!