Oklahoma City Pair Indicted in $21,000 Retail Fraud Scheme

OKLAHOMA CITY – Two residents of Oklahoma City have been indicted for allegedly running an organized fraud scheme that targeted both large national retailers and small local businesses, causing over $21,000 in losses across several counties.

A multicounty grand jury formally charged Krysty Jean Scholes, 49, and Earl Wayne Salisbury, 47, with multiple felonies, including fraud, identity theft, and conspiracy. According to the indictment, the pair carried out the scheme from fall 2023 through early 2025.

Prosecutors say Scholes used stolen driver’s licenses to pose as different people while writing fake checks to buy merchandise. The businesses targeted ranged from major chains such as Walmart, The Home Depot, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and O’Reilly Auto Parts to small shops like local feed stores, lumber yards, and mattress retailers.

Investigators described the operation as highly organized. By rotating identities and traveling to different countries, the suspects allegedly made it harder for businesses to spot the fraud quickly.

“This was not an isolated incident,” said District Attorney Ryan Moore. “This was a deliberate plan to take advantage of hardworking business owners and innocent people whose identities were stolen.”

Authorities say the impact goes beyond the financial losses. Many of the victims are now dealing with the challenges of identity theft, while small business owners are left to cover the costs of unpaid merchandise.

Law enforcement agencies across several Oklahoma counties worked together on the investigation, which is still ongoing. Officials believe additional victims may come forward as more details emerge.

Scholes and Salisbury are expected to appear in court for formal arraignment later this month. If convicted, they face significant prison sentences.

In the meantime, officials are asking any businesses or individuals who believe they may have been affected by this scheme to contact local law enforcement.

“This case is a reminder to always verify checks carefully and to protect personal identification,” Moore added. “Fraud can happen anywhere, and it often looks very ordinary on the surface.”

As the case proceeds, authorities hope it will serve as a warning to others considering similar crimes and as reassurance to victims that law enforcement is committed to holding offenders accountable.