White-Collar Crime

Judge Accused of Giving Away Adopted Twins, Spending Support Payments at Casinos and Spas

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An Oklahoma judge and her husband are facing multiple perjury and fraudulent claims charges after accepting money from the state for the care of twins they initially took in as foster parents and subsequently adopted.

However, Oklahoma District Judge Tammy Bass-LeSure and her husband, Karlos Antonio LeSure Sr., allegedly gave the twins, who were about 3 when they were adopted, to the judge’s bailiff’s sister, according to News9 and the Oklahoman.

While some of the money the couple received from the state went to the bailiff’s sister, a portion was also reportedly spent by the judge at casinos and on nail salons and spa treatments, according to Scripps Media.

The prosecutor’s office says the judge and her husband never actually took care of the twins, reports CNN.

Both the judge and her husband pleaded not guilty at their arraignments today and an unidentified attorney for the judge says she expects to be vindicated, reports News9.

“Strong, courageous, compassionate woman; strong, courageous compassionate judge,” the lawyer said. “This matter is going to be decided in a courtroom and she maintains 100 percent she’s innocent of the charges.”

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