Felony charges of embezzlement have been filed against a Duncan man, 37-year-old Darren Wayne Alaniz. Charges were levied on August 29, 2024, after a criminal investigation in June of 2023 alleged that Alaniz had “wrongfully taken money” from Philtek Services, a service company that provides welders and fitters, painters, and other industrial trades to manufacturing companies in the United States.
 The business owner is Brad Boles, Oklahoma State Representative from Marlow whose district covers a large part of Grady County including South and East of Chickasha and up into Bridge Creek community and the northern part of Stephens County.
 According to an article in the Duncan Banner, an affidavit shows Alaniz was employed with Philtek Services from 2017 until July 2022, when Boles “realized Alaniz had been unlawfully receiving unauthorized W-2 payments from Philtek Services totaling $1,291,290.67.”
 Alaniz was responsible for submitting and approving payroll for all of Philtek’s employees, which included himself. For five years, 2017 through 2022 Alaniz received regular pay, bonus pay, mileage, and per diem and expense reimbursement. Philtek owners revoked his managerial responsibilities according to reports.
 Alaniz reportedly sent Boles an email stating that he would pay back $300,000 upon the sale of another business and additional funds following that along with a life insurance policy with Boles as the beneficiary.
 Six counts of embezzlement have been filed with each count receiving a possible 8 years of imprisonment.
 According to court records, Alaniz has retained Duncan’s attorney Carl J. Buckholts for his defense. His initial appearance has been set for 2 p.m. Oct. 19, and a preliminary hearing conference has been set for 9 a.m. Nov. 29. His bond has been set at $25,000. A felony warrant was issued and completed Sept. 5, and Alaniz was also released from custody that same day