A cynical betrayal of trust has cost a non-profit organization providing services for people with special needs $1.1 million after its former CEO and office manager were sentenced in federal court.
Dawna Rochelle Sanders, 55, and Tracy Glenn Whyburn, 64, were found guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and were handed down prison sentences by U.S. District Judges Sara E. Hill and John D. Russell, respectively.
According to court documents, Sanders and Whyburn worked together to defraud Premier Community Services (PCS), a non-profit organization that provides community-based residential support services to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
As CEO, Sanders was entrusted with managing the daily business affairs for PCS, while Whyburn served as office manager and reported directly to Sanders. The duo’s scheme involved creating ‘ghost employees,’ directing funds to Whyburn through these fake employees, and then splitting the proceeds.
The elaborate scheme cost PCS more than $1.1 million. Sanders was sentenced to 33 months imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay more than $999,000 in restitution. Whyburn received a 24-month prison sentence, five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay more than $603,000 in restitution.
The IRS Criminal Investigations assisted in the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi handled the prosecution. Sanders and Whyburn were permitted to remain on bond and will voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
“For several years, Sanders and Whyburn took advantage of their employer whose mission is to help people with special needs,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This sentencing sends a clear message that those who defraud others for their own personal gain will be brought to justice.”
“Together Mr. Whyburn and Ms. Sanders embezzled more than $1.1 million from their employer and attempted to hide the money through various transactions,” said Christopher J. Altemus Jr., special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Dallas Field Office. “The financial expertise of CI Special Agents identified their illicit activity and, working with other agencies, brought them to justice.”
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Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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