Tulsa Public Schools Athletic Department Faces Embezzlement Allegations

Tulsa Public Schools is investigating its own athletic department.

The district says it is looking into reports of embezzlement and misappropriation of funds.

School leaders say the investigation will probably take a while, but when it's finished, they'll turn the results over to the district attorney to decide if any charges should be filed.

Dr. Stephanie Spring resigned as the district's athletic director January 20, 2012, after her and assistant athletic directors Jon Wheeler and Trish Pruitt were suspended in November. Pruitt has since returned to work.

01/25/2012 Related Story: Tulsa Public Schools Athletic Director Stephanie Spring Resigns

Detectives were investigating whether they hacked into an employee's personal emails.

Tulsa Public Schools released the following statement Wednesday:

"In response to recent inquiries and reports in the media, TPS can confirm that it has been conducting an ongoing internal investigation of activities within the Athletic Department. The focus of the investigation is related to allegations of embezzlement and misappropriation of funds. Given the complexity of the subject matter and the commitment to conduct a thorough comprehensive investigation, the investigation may continue for an extended period of time. Upon completion of the investigation the results will be presented to the District Attorney for review and analysis. At this time TPS is unable to provide any additional comment or information related to specific details of the ongoing investigation."