FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
JUNE 26, 2026
ARKOMA, OK – On November 28, 2023, the Arkoma Police Department requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate allegations of lewd acts with a minor.
Earlier that year, several students at Arkoma Public Schools reported that 52-year-old Thomas Lenard, who was a teacher at Arkoma Public Schools at that time, had made inappropriate contact with them.
Following the allegations, Arkoma Public Schools placed Lenard on administrative leave.
OSBI special agents began their comprehensive investigation. It was also learned that Lenard was a former chief for the Arkoma Police Department, prior to his time as a teacher.
Based on the information and evidence obtained during the investigation, on June 26, 2026, an arrest warrant was issued for Lenard by the LeFlore County District Court on eight counts of Lewd or Indecent Acts to a Child Under 16.
That evening, Lenard turned himself into OSBI custody. Lenard was booked into the LeFlore County Jail.
The OSBI appreciates the District 16 District Attorney’s Office Task Force, LeFlore County Child Advocacy Center, and the Arkoma Police Department for their continued assistance with this investigation.
*Charges are merely an accusation and the accused is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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