Former Auditor Roger Melson Faces 174 Counts

Former Land Office auditor Roger Melson today faces 174 grand jury counts of embezzlement and allegations he stole $1.16 million in royalty payments to fuel his gambling.

Melson appeared Thursday in Oklahoma County District Court. Prosecutors allege he stole the money over the last five years.

Assistant Attorney General Joel-lyn McCormick says $23,000 of the missing money has been found in a private bank account. The search for more of the money continues, she added.

District Judge Patricia Parrish set Melson's bond at $174,000, or $1,000 for each felony count.

Melson's defense attorney, Billy Bock, says his client is "very sorry for putting himself and his family in this position."

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