OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A former employee of the Commissioners of the Land Office in Oklahoma who embezzled $1.16 million from the agency has surrendered to authorities.

Roger Melson turned himself in Monday before Oklahoma County District Judge Kenneth Watson to begin serving a 10-year prison sentence. He will be processed at the Oklahoma County Jail before being sent to the state prison system.

The 56-year-0ld Melson was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty in August to 174 counts of embezzlement. His attorney has said Melson embezzled to feed a gambling habit.

The Land Office manages land for public schools and collects oil and gas royalties from mineral leases. The money is distributed among public schools in the state.