Longtime Office Manager Admits to Stealing Hundreds of Thousands from Muskogee Physician
A Muskogee, Oklahoma-based doctor’s former office manager has pleaded guilty to bank fraud after officials revealed she embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars over several years, devastating the practice and trust of the longtime physician-owner.
Katrina McCroskey, who served as the office manager for Dr. Jack Weaver since 1997, admitted to stealing funds from the practice between 2016 and 2023. The betrayal has left Weaver emotionally and financially shaken, forcing him to sell the practice he led for nearly three decades.
Doctor Speaks Out: “A Hard Pill to Swallow”
“I was in practice, the owner of this practice for 28 years, and always thought I would be the owner forever,” Weaver told News On 6 reporter MaKayla Glenn. “And so, it’s a hard pill to swallow in that I had to sell the practice.” Despite the financial losses, Weaver continues his commitment to patient care.
Fraud Uncovered After Employee Concerns
The fraud went unnoticed for years as the business appeared profitable on the surface. However, behind the scenes, Weaver said, critical bills and partner payments were missed. Concerns first arose when long-serving employees flagged irregularities in the office between 2022 and 2023.
Investigations revealed McCroskey resisted audits and blocked access to key bank accounts. Deeper scrutiny uncovered that she was paying herself almost 40% more than her agreed salary, awarding herself unauthorized bonuses, and using a secret credit card unknown to Weaver.
Audit Spurs FBI Involvement
An official audit later exposed even more extensive financial losses, prompting authorities to escalate the case to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Prosecutors announced McCroskey’s guilty plea this week, with sentencing to be scheduled at a later date.
Personal and Professional Fallout
Beyond monetary damage, the scandal fractured relationships and tarnished Weaver’s professional reputation. “I lost friends who didn’t believe that she did this and thought I was just making it up,” Weaver revealed. “I lost people who were hospital administrators that wouldn’t believe me—colleagues that wouldn’t believe me.”
“Be aware, be mindful, pay attention,” Weaver warns other business owners in the wake of the fraud case.
Looking Ahead: Lessons for Business Owners Nationwide
As the legal process moves forward, Weaver hopes other business owners learn from his experience, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and oversight in financial matters. McCroskey’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment from News On 6.
This case underscores risks that longstanding trusted employees can pose to small businesses and medical practices. With federal authorities now involved and a guilty plea entered, the unfolding story serves as a warning across sectors nationwide on the importance of strong financial controls.
