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Norman nonprofit’s former director indicted in alleged $219,000 embezzlement
Andree Harper, former executive director of the Mary Abbott Children’s House, faces seven embezzlement counts after an audit found more than $219,000 in alleged misappropriated funds. The nonprofit says it recovered the money and tightened its financial oversight.
The former executive director of the Mary Abbott Children’s House in Norman has been indicted on seven counts of embezzlement in a case involving more than $219,000, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Andree Harper, 46, was indicted Oct. 8. The OSBI said an audit found that funds were used for personal expenses, including plane tickets, luggage fees, Airbnb stays, plastic surgery charges, online and Venmo purchases, and fast food. The charges are allegations; an indictment is not a finding of guilt.
Norman police asked the OSBI to assist with an investigation into alleged misappropriation in October 2025. Investigators identified Harper, who had led the child advocacy center, as a suspect.
Abbott House board president Julia Mettry said the board identified financial irregularities in April 2025 and ended Harper’s employment within a week. The board hired independent financial experts and an attorney specializing in nonprofit law, contacted law enforcement and cooperated with the investigation, Mettry said.
The organization said it recovered the funds identified in a forensic audit. It has also strengthened its financial procedures and hired an outside accounting firm to oversee daily bookkeeping, payroll and other financial services. The board said Abbott House remains in strong financial condition and continues its work supporting children and families.
Mettry said the board would not comment further while the case is ongoing. She also asked the public and media to stay off the organization’s property during operating hours to protect the privacy of children and families receiving services.