The charge against David Dwain Redden, 58, and his recent plea comes eight months after the Roland Town Council decided to fire the town's longtime administrator amid an investigation into the town by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced Redden's plea Friday afternoon. The charge against Redden was filed Oct. 16, according to court records.
"Charges arose from an ongoing investigation by the FBI," Sperling said. "Redden, the former city manager of Roland, issued checks for cash from the city of Roland's bank account to McKinney Grocery & Station, a business in Roland.
"Redden submitted vouchers for office supplies to McKinney's for which he received cash. McKinney's then submitted invoices to the city of Roland, which were paid for by city funds. The amount of loss is believed to be (about) $300,000."
Magistrate Judge Kimberly E. West accepted Redden's plea and ordered the completion of a pre-sentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled once this report is complete, Sperling said. Redden could receive up to 20 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.
According to the plea agreement, Redden has agreed to cooperate with the government by providing information concerning the unlawful activities of others.
Redden posted an unsecured $2,500 bond and remains out of jail until his sentencing, according to court records.
In late February the town council unanimously decided to fire Redden, who had been a town employee for more than 20 years. His termination was effective immediately.
The council's decision came just weeks after the FBI converged on Roland and Moffett Police Departments Feb. 8 and 9 for an apparent investigation. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) conducted patrol duties for both departments while officers reportedly assisted with the FBI investigation, but officers were not relieved of their duties, officials said.
The town was without an official town administrator since Redden was fired. In June the council voted to promote Ronnie Webb, town clerk and treasurer, to the post of town administrator. Webb was already acting as the town's assistant administrator when the council promoted him.
