By Patti Weaver
(Stillwater, Okla.) — A 57-year-old former Langston woman, who admitted she had embezzled $3,092.57 from the Oklahoma State University Food and Agriculture Products Center in Stillwater when she worked there as a financial assistant, has been placed on five years’ probation with extensive requirements.
La Tanja C. Johnson had already made full restitution when she appeared in court on March 5 before Associate District Judge Michael Kulling, who ordered her to have a substance abuse evaluation, take any recommended follow-up treatment, enroll in Work Force, maintain full-time employment, and pay $600 in assessments plus court costs.
Johnson, who now reportedly lives in Kansas, told OSU Police Investigator Kyle McCool in October of 2021, “she was living in Colorado and would not be returning to Oklahoma for several months,” according to his affidavit for an arrest warrant issued in December of 2021.
Johnson was arrested in January of 2022 and released on $2,500 bail, court records show.
According to the investigator’s affidavit, “Internal Audit interviewed La Tanja Johnson and asked her to write down what she knew about missing cash. In her written statement, she stated, ‘I don’t know how this happened, but as far as I can see, sometimes things get a little complicated in life.
‘You do everything to the best of your ability working harder than most and not being compensated like everyone else. Taking on people’s jobs and not even making enough. Had hardships not proud, but yes.’
“Also in La Tanja Johnson’s written statement, she estimated she took up to $5,000, but no more. La Tanja also wrote down 2019 when asked for the time period when it occurred.
“Internal Audit found evidence that a total of $3,092.57 was in the financial assistant La Tanja Johnson’s custody that was never deposited.
“On 10/5/2021, I contacted La Tanja Johnson to speak with her regarding this case. I informed her I wanted to speak with her regarding a matter from when she was previously employed at FAPC, and I would like for her to come to the police department to speak with me. I informed La Tanja to contact me when she came back to Oklahoma.”
Because she was given a deferred sentence last week, Johnson will not have a criminal record of the felony embezzlement case if she successfully completes the terms of her probation.
