Published: October 08, 2008 06:38 pm         

McMullen, others plead guilty

After two years, the illegal gambling scandal at the Chickasha Elks Lodge involving numerous law enforcement officers, including Grady County Sheriff Kieran McMullen, has come to an end.

McMullen, his wife Helen McMullen, former deputy Delmer Barthelme and former deputy Robert Cacy admitted guilt on Friday to the misdemeanor charge of willful neglect of duty.

According to a press release from Grady County District Attorney Bret Burns, “each defendant admitted they had failed in their duty as police officers by allowing illegal gambling to occur in their presence and with their knowledge at the Chickasha Elk’s Lodge.”

“With this negative footnote in history behind us, it is time for Grady County to move in a positive direction. I look forward to a new era for our sheriff’s office where we can once again have confidence and pride in our sheriff’s department,” said Burns.

Each of the defendants received a deferred six-month sentence, and was ordered to pay a $200 fine and court costs.

McMullen resigned as Grady County Sheriff at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2., Cacy resigned this week and Barthelme resigned two weeks ago.

According to Burns, the “guilty pleas, probation and resignations represent an end to the corruption that existed at the Grady County Sheriff’s Office.”

While the guilty pleas prevent any of the defendants from serving as police officers in the future, they may re-apply for C.L.E.E.T. certification after five years.

McMullen and the others said had little to says as they left the courtroom.

“On the advice of our attorneys, we’re not saying anything,” said McMullen.

After the pleas were made, Judge Lori Walkley told the defendants, “I’m glad you’ve taken responsibility for your actions.”

Burns said he was pleased to end the corruption at the sheriff’s office at a press conference following the plea hearing.

“This was the same deal we offered two years ago before it went to the grand jury,” said Burns. “It is an ugly process for the citizens of Grady County and I’m glad this phase is over.”

When asked why the sheriff has previously refused to step down, Burns answered “mostly, arrogance.”

“It has been strung out because the judges have allowed it, and I think it’s unfortunate,” said Burns. “But nobody’s above the law. The law applies to all of us equally; one group is no better than anybody else.”

Burns added that some of the attorneys were concerned that their clients may have been paid too much in comp time, but comp time was not a part of the plea agreement.

“If they were overpaid because of an administrative error, they will be allowed to repay; I don’t anticipate any more charges,” said Burns.

A special audit will begin this week to examine comp time payments made to sheriff’s deputies.

When asked about money and gambling machines confiscated from the Elks Lodge on the night of the ABLE raid, Burns said he had offered to return the $3,000 to the Elks on the condition that they donate the money to charity.

However, the Elks refused the offer and want both the money and the machines to be returned. Burns said the machines will be destroyed.