Beaird Embezzlement Case Continued for ‘Written Offer’

The hearing for Alan Wayne Beaird, 49, formerly of Sallisaw and former commandant for the local Marine Corps League, was continued to Sept. 7 in Sequoyah County District Court, Sallisaw.

The court notes the continuance was agreed upon by both sides because the state was making a written offer, perhaps a plea agreement, to the defendant.

Beaird is charged with embezzlement for taking money from the league. He was charged Sept. 27 for allegedly embezzling a sum “in excess of $1,000 that belonged to the Marine Corps League.”

Now listed as a resident of Rogers, Ark., Beaird is free on a $5,000 bond. He pleaded not guilty to the charge on Oct. 5.

According to the affidavit filed with the charge Beaird became a suspect when the current Marine Corps League commandant, William Brocker, reported money was missing and he “believed Beaird to be the responsible party.” The affidavit notes that Beaird was removed from the commandant position early in 2016.

The affidavit notes that Beaird would sign out the league’s debit card and not return it or the required receipts to the league’s paymaster. 

Bank statements from October 2012 through June 2016 were reviewed. In 2015 investigators found seven transactions that appeared to be unauthorized. In 2014 four transactions appeared to be unauthorized, and in 2013 the investigator found 24 transactions that appeared to be unauthorized.

Both the paymaster and current commandant told investigators “the charges were not approved or voted on,” and “Beaird was in possession of the debit card during the times of these transactions.”

The affidavit concludes “…the Marine Corps League has held multiple fundraisers and received thousands of dollars in donations. . . .Beaird always insisted on making the deposits. . .” but would have an excuse for losing the deposit slips. “At this time it is unknown if any of the donation money had been taken.”

The Sallisaw Police Department investigated the allegations.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com