ENID, OK - Former Enid mayor, Ernst “Ernie” Currier, accused of identity theft was sentenced to prison on Tuesday. Currier earlier had waived his right to a preliminary hearing and agreed to a plea deal.
-
Attorneys released information that Currier was sentenced to 13.5 years in prison, followed by 31 years of probation. His sentence also includes restitution of over $1 million.
-
Enid Police Detectives, particularly Sgt. Nick John, spent hundreds of hours analyzing what is now believed to be the largest fraud investigation in Enid Police Department history. The police investigation, with the complete cooperation of Security National Bank of Enid, other financial institutions, and the close partnership with District Attorney Mike Fields, has resulted in the arrest of Ernst Currier on multiple fraud charges.
-
On September 5th, 2017 a citizen made a report with the Enid Police Department regarding the theft of his identity. He said on August 31st, 2017 he’d received a phone call from a Security National Bank representative who inquired about the citizen’s farm equipment loan. The citizen said he’d never received such a loan so he contacted Ernst Currier, Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending at Security National Bank in Enid. The citizen described Currier as a close personal friend and fellow member of the First Baptist Church in Enid. Currier initially tried reassuring the citizen that the bank had made an error and that his identity had not been stolen. Ultimately, through a series of later phone calls, Currier confessed that he’d used the citizen’s personal information to open several fraudulent loans at the bank. Currier also admitted that other individuals were victimized.
-
Enid Police Detectives began a lengthy and comprehensive investigation into Curriers criminal activity. What they uncovered was a massive loan fraud scheme that began more than 17 years ago.
-
Using his position at the bank, Currier opened a total of 61 fraudulent loans between years 2000 and 2017. He did so by stealing and using the personal identities of at least 9 confirmed individuals and creating at least 8 other false identities. He was able to gain access to those identities by using his position of trust at the Security National Bank, the First Baptist Church in Enid, and by his status as a leader in the community.
-
Bank records indicated that Ernst Currier disbursed the loans by using wire transfers to a variety of business and personal accounts held at other financial institutions. Currier had established the other accounts by using sham companies and counterfeit personal information. Once the proceeds were transferred he would typically use a portion of the funds to make loan payments and another portion for his personal use. The banking records clearly indicated that Ernst Currier routinely used portions of the unlawful proceeds for his own personal gain.
-
To keep his criminal activity concealed and to further the scheme, Currier manufactured a large collection of fabricated documents over the years. Those documents included fraudulent tax returns, forged loan applications, financial statements, identification documents, and profit and loss statements. He also set up several post office boxes to direct mail and to give the appearance of a legitimate address.
-
The total combined original amount of all 61 fraudulent loan accounts opened unlawfully by Ernst Currier is $6,207,229.88. The combined outstanding and remaining balance on all the fraudulent loan accounts is $1,811,588.01.
-
The FBI and the US Attorney’s Office were consulted during the early part of the investigation. Ultimately, the Enid Police Department and District Attorney Mike Fields elected to investigate and prosecute this case locally. That decision was based on the confidence in the investigative abilities of the Enid Police Department and in consultation with the District Attorney’s Office regarding potential charges.
-
Police obtained a substantial number of search warrants and grand jury subpoenas that were served on Currier’s home, office, and financial institutions during the course of the investigation. Those searches resulted in the collection of an imposing amount of evidence and financial data.
-
The investigation concluded on November 14th, 2017 when an arrest warrant was issued and Currier was arrested. He was charged with 33 total felony counts that include: 1-count of misapplication of funds 1-count of unlawful proceeds, 7-counts of false personation, 12-counts of second degree forgery, and 12-counts of obtaining money by false pretenses.
-
Currier served as the Mayor of Enid from 2004 to 2007. He was Sr. Vice President at Security National Bank and has held positions with Enid Public School Board, Enid City Commission, Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, Autry Technology Center Foundation, Vance Development Authority, Oklahoma Baptist University board of trustees and the Northwestern Oklahoma State University /Northern Oklahoma College advisory board.
-
Former Mayor Sentenced to Prison
How could this guy get by with this. Just because he was a good old boy.
Ernie was committing these crimes when this town was awarding him with honor. He is a wolf in sheep’s clothing and was never honorable. Many felonies that totaled 300 years in jail and he gets thirteen and a half years! But the topper is that he will be 80 when he gets out, and then he will go to work to pay off the million and a half he still owes. And let’s not forget he only has to pay 20% of his wages. A good measuring stick to how much corruption we have in Enid’s court house.
I know the acts Ernie committed are unthinkable to most of us. However, Ernie was my banker for 10+ years & a man I not only admired but truly respected & trusted. I bought many,expensive cars & Ernie told me if I found a car I wanted that I could write a check for it & he would cover it with funds from a future loan I would take out on such said vehicles on the next business day. My heart was shattered when I heard of the accusations against Ernie & even more so when they were confirmed & he was sentenced to prison. I don’t understand what would cause him to do these horrible things to innocent people who put their trust in him. I became very sick & could no longer work due to severe pain & symptoms of a chronic disease & therefore knew I had to sell my car fast to pay off my loan @ SNB. I called Ernie & explained my situation to him & he advised me to bring my car,keys & title to him @ the bank, which I did, the following day. In true Ernie fashion, he took care of the rest & never once was I bothered by calls,letters,etc from SNB or Ernie. I do & will continue to Pray for the victims & Ernie.