Former Employee of Norman Based Oil and Gas Company Pleads Guilty to Forging Company Checks Resulting in a Loss to the Company of More Than $830,000

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, RONALD DAVID KIRKPATRICK II, age 51, of Norman, pleaded guilty to uttering forged securities, in connection with his taking over $830,000 from a Norman based oil and gas exploration company, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On July 7, 2020, Kirkpatrick was charged by Indictment of 10 counts of bank fraud, 10 counts of  uttering forged securities, and four counts of aggravated identity theft.  Public records reflect that from 2007 through October 2018, Kirkpatrick worked at a Norman based oil and gas exploration company as an accountant.   

Today, Kirkpatrick pleaded guilty to writing a forged check from his company’s bank account made payable to himself, in the amount of $7,275, in August 2018.  At today’s change of plea hearing, Kirkpatrick admitted that he used this method of forging checks to take money from his former employer from 2015 through 2018, and he stipulated that the total loss to the company resulting from his conduct was $831,372.82.  Public records allege Kirkpatrick used the proceeds from the forged checks to pay for vacations, car purchases, and to buy inventory for a business he planned to open.  He admitted today he used the proceeds from his scheme for personal gain.

At sentencing, Kirkpatrick faces up to 10 years in federal prison, plus three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.  As part of the plea agreement, Kirkpatrick agreed to pay restitution to the oil and gas company in the amount of $831,372.82.  Kirkpatrick will be sentenced in approximately 90 days. 

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly. 

Reference is made to the information and other public filings for further information.