Published: April 17, 2008 03:24 pm         

No Contest

Sheriff’s Deputy Swanson pleads no contest in gambling case

Grady County Deputy Sheriff Captain William Swanson plead no contest to charges related to the 2006 ABLE Commission raid on the Elks Lodge, on Friday, April 11.

In carrying out a plea agreement with the state, Swanson pled no contest to the charge of Willful Neglect of Duty.

According to a press release from the Grady County District Attorney’s Office, Special Judge Ken Harris found Swanson guilty of failing to follow his oath as a deputy sheriff by allowing illegal gambling activities to occur in his presence.

Judge Harris placed Swanson on probation for six months and he cannot work as a certified peace officer for two years.

Swanson has resigned from the Grady County Sheriff’s Department.

“Bill did what he needed to; he had his own reasons,” said Grady County Sheriff Kieran McMullen. “He didn’t plead guilty. I have nothing but the highest respect for Bill Swanson, he is a fine deputy and a fine gentleman.”

According to the release, Swanson is the second defendant to be found guilty in relation to the corruption offenses. Former Chickasha police officer Jerry Tyler pled guilty to Neglect of Duty and Peace Officer Engaged in Illegal Gambling in February, 2007.

The Oklahoma Multi-County Grand Jury also indicted Grady County Sheriff Kieran McMullen and his wife former Chickasha police officer Helen McMullen and Deputy Robert Cacy on the same charges. Their cases are currently set for jury trial in August, 2008.