Multi-County Grand Jury indicts man in fake Ryan Walters letter scheme

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 13, 2026) – The Multi-County Grand Jury indicted a Massachusetts man this week for falsely impersonating former State Superintendent Ryan Walters. 

According to the indictment, Owen Thomas Cunningham, 48, sent letters in August 2024 to school superintendents across Oklahoma. The letter directed school officials to distribute documents to students. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation after Walters confirmed he did not authorize or send the letters.

"This defendant's actions constitute a deliberate attempt to deceive Oklahoma educators and undermine public trust in our state institutions," said Attorney General Gentner Drummond. "Impersonating a public official is a serious offense, and we will not tolerate efforts to manipulate our schools or create confusion among parents and educators. My office is committed to holding those who engage in such fraudulent schemes accountable."

Cunningham has been charged with False Personation of a Public Officer, which is a misdemeanor. He could face up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.

Every person arrested or charged is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.