Oklahoma Man Convicted of Defrauding Vinita Bank of $177,000

TULSA, Okla. – A former bank loan officer pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to defrauding Oklahoma State Bank, in Vinita, of more than $177,000, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

Charles Lee Enyart, 46, of Vinita, pleaded guilty to two counts of embezzlement and willful misapplication by a bank officer. 

Enyart admitted to embezzling funds from November 2016 to December 2017 while employed at the bank. On Nov. 28, 2016, Enyart received $99,000 based on a false loan application to purchase cattle that he submitted under another individual’s name. Later, from September to December 2017, Enyart made multiple cash withdrawals and purchased cashier’s checks, using proceeds from a separate construction loan. Enyart withdrew the money under false pretenses, stating the money was to be used for the benefit of the individual who had applied for the loan. In both instances, he admitted to knowing the loans were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and that he used the money for his own personal benefit.

“Charles Enyart lacked the integrity required for the position the bank entrusted to him. He used the good names of individuals in the Vinita community for his own personal gain, taking out loans in their names or stealing funds from their accounts,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Prosecuting white collar crime is a priority for the Department of Justice. My Assistant U.S. Attorneys will continue to prosecute individuals, like Mr. Enyart, who break the law by committing embezzlement and fraud and work to recover funds for their victims.”

U.S. District Chief Judge Gregory K. Frizzell accepted the guilty plea and set sentencing for March 11.  At that time, Enyart faces a possible maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and five years of supervised release. 

The FBI and Craig County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Wilson prosecuted the case.