Leslie Ellen Mansfield, Bank Fraud, Oklahoma 2024

A brazen scheme to defraud special needs clients has landed a Tulsa, Oklahoma attorney behind bars. Leslie Ellen Mansfield, 61, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for Bank Fraud by U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell.

The scheme, which spanned from December 2011 through November 2017, saw Mansfield withdraw funds from supplemental needs trust (SNT) accounts for her own personal use. As trustee over these accounts, Mansfield was entrusted to access them for the sole benefit of the clients, who were adults with intellectual disabilities.

Mansfield was authorized to withdraw funds for the clients' benefit, including purchasing a handicapped vehicle, clothing, dance lessons, and Special Olympic fees, as well as prepaying funeral expenses. However, she repeatedly used the funds for her own gain, attempting to conceal her embezzlement by altering bank statements.

The consequences of Mansfield's actions were severe. One of the victims lost Medicaid benefits because Mansfield did not timely submit records on behalf of the client. The extent of the damage is still unknown, but one thing is clear: Mansfield's actions were a betrayal of the trust placed in her.

Mansfield was permitted to remain on bond and will voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons at a later date. The FBI investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Vani Singhal prosecuting the case.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of embezzlement and the importance of holding those in positions of trust accountable. As the investigation and subsequent prosecution made clear, Mansfield's actions were not only a crime, but also a gross abuse of the trust placed in her.

Defendant Information:

- Defendant: Leslie Ellen Mansfield

- Exact Criminal Charges: Bank Fraud

- City and State: Tulsa, Oklahoma

- Exact Date: Not specified

- Sentence or Outcome: 18 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release

- Dollar Amounts: $137,240.95 in restitution

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/former-attorney-sentenced-taking-money-special-needs-clients