A former Oklahoma sheriff has avoided jail time for alleged embezzlement by resigning from his position, following revelations of lavish spending on vehicles, meals, and conferences. Cleveland County Sheriff Chris Amason ended his 33-year career on Monday, the same day he was indicted on four counts of embezzlement by the state.
Plea Deal and Sentencing
Amason, 54, pleaded no contest to one count in Cleveland County District Court, with the other three dismissed after he agreed to resign. As part of the plea deal, he received a deferred sentence of five years probation and was ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution by Judge Lynne McGuire. In Oklahoma, embezzlement carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and mandatory fines of $25,000 or more, depending on the value stolen.
Misuse of Funds
According to a Cleveland County Sheriff's Office audit by State Auditor Cindy Byrd, Amason was accused of embezzling campaign funds and taxpayer money to purchase 40 new and leased vehicles, expensive meals, games, DoorDash deliveries, and a hotel room for a canceled training conference. The audit noted that the agency 'did not cancel the hotel room and still incurred the charges.'
Amason also issued 'retroactive raises' to 28 employees. The CCSO attended 24 out-of-state training conferences in Kansas, Florida, Texas, Nevada, Washington, and Tennessee, costing $33,283. Additionally, $244 was paid for a spouse to attend a 2022 conference, and the agency paid for five hotel rooms when only four employees attended.
Campaign Fund Violations
The unsealed indictment alleged that Amason took between $2,500 and $150,000 from his campaign fund for personal use between May 2020 and July 2025, violating ethical rules for elected officials. His wife, Amber Amason, had previously shared an image of them at a Kansas City conference.
Resignation and Reactions
In his resignation letter, Amason thanked the community and staff but made no mention of the plea deal. Undersheriff Michael Finley will serve as acting sheriff. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond stated, 'Public officials are entrusted with taxpayer dollars and must be held to the highest standard. Sheriff Amason took an oath to enforce the law. He has neglected his duty and is no longer fit to serve.' Drummond had previously supported Amason in June 2024.
The Cleveland County Board of Commissioners emphasized their duty to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Amason was first elected in November 2020 with 25 years of prior public service.
