TULSA, Okla. – A former Tulsa Catholic deacon and church business manager is charged with bank fraud after federal prosecutors accused him of moving more than $1 million out of church accounts and disguising the transfers as legitimate payments.
Who is charged in the case?
Federal court documents name John Sommer, a former deacon and business manager at Christ the King Catholic Church, as the defendant. Prosecutors describe the case as a long-running fraud scheme tied to his role overseeing parish finances.
What are investigators alleging?
Investigators say Sommer made at least 77 unauthorized electronic transfers from church bank accounts in 2025. Court records allege he altered account information to make the transactions appear as payments to legitimate vendors.
Prosecutors say Sommer caused or attempted to move more than $1.5 million, with the church’s actual loss totaling about $1.46 million over nearly seven months. Investigators say none of the money was used for legitimate church purposes.
Sommer was placed on leave in October 2025, according to court filings.
How did parishioners learn about the situation?
Parishioners say church leaders addressed the allegations directly with the congregation…