Creek County Property Officer arrested for embezzlement

Neighbor News, mannfordeagle.com
BYLINE: McCracken, Managing Editor

Creek County, OK


CCSO

A Creek County Sheriff’s deputy is now on the other side of the law.

Former Creek County Sheriff’s Office Captain Leslie Ruhman surrendered and was arraigned in Creek County District Court on a criminal felony charge of embezzlement Thursday, Nov. 7.

The Creek County Sheriff’s Office recently moved to new a facility just across the street in Sapulpa and all of their files, equipment and property had to be moved to the new facility, including the property room that held evidence from arrests.

Reports said that while in the course of changing property officers, and preparing to relocate the Creek County Sheriff’s Office property room, events surfaced which were deemed to be suspect in nature. At that time the property room was secured and a request made to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation requesting an investigation into the property room.

Upon completion of the investigation the findings were forwarded to the Payne County District Attorney’s Office, which had been assigned the case by the Oklahoma Attorney General.

Ruhman had been employed with the Creek County Sheriff’s Office for over twelve years as an investigator and property officer, rising to the rank of Captain overseeing the investigation division prior to his resignation on Oct. 3.

“An incident of this nature erodes the public trust and tarnishes the image of all law enforcement. I am deeply saddened and extremely disappointed in the conduct and alleged actions of (Les) Ruhman,” said Sheriff John Davis. “Any time a law enforcement officer violates the public’s trust it brings disgrace to the agency and the law enforcement profession. Law enforcement officers are not above the law and the Creek County Sheriff’s office will vigorously investigate those who break the law and violate the public’s trust.”

Davis said the Creek County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to ensure property/evidence is safely, legally and efficiently maintained and managed in a professional property management system.

Ruhman bonded out of jail and a hearing is set for Dec. 18.

Mannford is in Creek County and the sheriff's department works closely with the Mannford Police Department.

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