Ex-children’s charity head pleads guilty to embezzlement

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The former executive director of an Oklahoma charity for child crime victims has pleaded guilty to embezzling money from the group.

Federal prosecutors say 47-year-old Edmond resident Traci Lorre Owens pleaded guilty last week to embezzlement from the Canadian County Court Appointed Special Advocates charity.

The charity received at least $10,000 annually in financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Owens was charged with making and depositing checks payable to herself and to cash, including duplicate payroll checks

Owens faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and mandatory restitution. She will be sentenced within the next three months.