OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The board of the Oklahoma Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is investigating unauthorized withdrawals that were made from the chapter's checking account.

In a statement released Tuesday, chapter president M. Scott Carter said a preliminary review of the account shows more than $40,000 in unauthorized withdrawals were made. Carter said the withdrawals were discovered May 8, when chapter leadership was notified that checks had been returned because of insufficient funds.

He says once the investigation is complete, the information will be turned over to "the proper authorities."

Carter said the chapter's annual awards contest will continue and is not in jeopardy.