A former treasurer of the Oklahoma City Triathlon Club, known as Tri-OKC, now faces criminal charges after investigators say she siphoned more than $358,000 from the nonprofit over several years — a case that has rattled the local endurance sports community and prompted urgent calls for stronger financial oversight inside amateur athletic organizations.
The Charges Against the Former Treasurer
Jane Hresko, who served as treasurer for Tri-OKC, has been charged with one count of embezzlement and one count of obtaining property by trick, deception, or false representation. Prosecutors allege she systematically diverted club funds for personal use across an extended period. The total alleged theft exceeds $358,000 — a staggering sum for a volunteer-run triathlon organization that depends on membership dues, race fees, and community donations to operate.
If convicted on the embezzlement count alone — which involves an amount well above the $25,000 threshold — Hresko could face up to 10 years in state prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and mandatory restitution to Tri-OKC. Oklahoma law treats large-scale embezzlement from nonprofits with serious weight, and prosecutors appear to be pursuing the case aggressively.
How the Scheme Was Discovered
The alleged fraud came to light through an unexpected chain of events. Tri-OKC switched its primary banking institution, and the new bank flagged the account for potential fraud during routine onboarding checks. That flag prompted club leadership to commission an internal audit, which quickly surfaced deep financial irregularities. Without that banking transition, the scheme might have continued undetected for years longer.
"The switch to a new bank — a routine administrative decision — turned out to be the very trigger that unraveled what investigators say was a years-long scheme."
Once the audit results were in hand, Tri-OKC reported the matter directly to law enforcement. The club has since cooperated fully with investigators and has moved quickly to shore up its financial controls to prevent any repeat of the alleged misconduct.
A Trusted Professional With Deep Credentials
What makes the case particularly striking is Hresko's professional background. She was a Certified Public Accountant with more than 45 years of experience in the field. Her résumé includes work as an Assurance Manager at an accounting firm and prior employment with globally recognized firms including KPMG and Deloitte. Within Tri-OKC, her credentials made her a natural and trusted choice to manage the club's finances — which may have made routine oversight feel unnecessary to fellow board members.
This dynamic — where professional expertise inspires trust that goes unchecked — is a recurring pattern in nonprofit embezzlement cases nationwide. Financial auditors and governance experts consistently warn that even the most credentialed treasurer should be subject to dual-signature requirements, periodic independent audits, and board-level review of bank statements.
What Tri-OKC Is Doing Now
Following the discovery and subsequent police report, Tri-OKC has taken concrete steps to rebuild trust with its members. The organization has strengthened its internal financial controls, introduced additional layers of oversight, and signaled a commitment to transparency going forward. Club leadership has communicated with members about the situation and the corrective measures being put in place.
The case serves as a sobering reminder for triathlon clubs and endurance sports nonprofits everywhere. Volunteer organizations often operate on lean administrative budgets with enormous trust placed in a small number of individuals. That trust, while essential, must be paired with structural safeguards that do not depend on any single person's integrity.
Broader Lessons for the Triathlon Community
Amateur triathlon clubs across the country rely on member fees, race registration revenue, and sponsorships to fund training resources, events, and community programs. When those funds are misappropriated, the damage extends well beyond a balance sheet — it erodes the sense of shared purpose that makes local triathlon communities thrive. The Tri-OKC case is a call to action for club boards everywhere to treat financial governance as a core organizational responsibility, not an afterthought.
"Strong communities are built on trust — and trust in a nonprofit's finances must be backed by verifiable, independent oversight, not credentials alone."
For athletes who pour their time, money, and passion into their local clubs, knowing that those contributions are protected matters deeply. Governance reforms, however unglamorous, are part of what keeps the sport healthy at the grassroots level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges has the former treasurer of the Oklahoma City Triathlon Club faced?
Jane Hresko, the former treasurer, has been charged with one count of embezzlement and one count of obtaining property by trick, deception, or false representation for allegedly stealing over $358,000 from the organization.
How did the alleged embezzlement come to light?
The alleged scheme was discovered after Tri-OKC switched its primary banking institution, which flagged the account for potential fraud, leading to an internal audit that identified the financial irregularities.
What was Jane Hresko's professional background before the allegations?
Hresko was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 45 years of experience, including working as an Assurance Manager at an accounting firm and previous employment with global firms such as KPMG and Deloitte.
What is the potential legal consequence for Hresko if convicted?
If convicted of embezzling over $25,000, Hresko could face up to 10 years in state prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and mandatory restitution to the victim.
What actions has Tri-OKC taken following the incident?
Following the discovery of the financial irregularities, Tri-OKC reported the matter to the police and has strengthened its financial controls and oversight to prevent future incidents.
Source: Hoodline — Former OKC Triathlon Club Treasurer Charged With Stealing $358,000
