ARKOMA, Okla. — A former Arkoma police chief who later became a teacher at Arkoma Public Schools has been arrested on multiple child sex crime charges following a lengthy investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

According to the OSBI, special agents began investigating on Nov. 28, 2023, after the Arkoma Police Department requested assistance regarding allegations of lewd acts involving a minor.

Investigators said several students at Arkoma Public Schools reported earlier in 2023 that 52-year-old Thomas Lenard, who was employed as a teacher at the school, had inappropriate contact with them.

Following the allegations, Arkoma Public Schools placed Lenard on administrative leave.

During the investigation, agents also learned Lenard had previously served as chief of the Arkoma Police Department before becoming a teacher.

Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, the LeFlore County District Court issued an arrest warrant for Lenard on June 26, 2026, charging him with eight counts of Lewd or Indecent Acts to a Child Under 16.

Lenard turned himself in to OSBI agents later that evening and was booked into the LeFlore County Jail.

The investigation was conducted with assistance from the District 16 District Attorney's Office Task Force, the LeFlore County Child Advocacy Center, and the Arkoma Police Department.