Published: October 06, 2006 03:25 pm         

Commissioners to consider ousting sheriff

CHICKASHA — The Grady County Commissioners will consider whether or not to begin ouster proceedings at their meeting Tuesday, October 10, 2006.

An executive session is on the agenda for the meeting.

During the executive session, the commissioners will discuss the evidence they have seen. District No. 2 County Commissioner Mike Lennier and District No. 1 County Commissioner Roy Testerman both accepted District Attorney Bret Burns’ offer to see some of the evidence gathered during a one-year investigation.

The investigation centered around alleged illegal gambling at the Chickasha Elks Lodge and the actions of some law enforcement officers - including Sheriff Kieran McMullen - to cover up these illegal acts.

“We will discuss this thoroughly Tuesday,” Testerman said.

Some of the evidence the commissioners saw included video surveillance gathered by confidential informants during the investigation.

After the commissioners discuss the evidence they were presented, they will decide whether they will pursue ouster proceedings against Sheriff McMullen.

“We’ll discuss everything we have seen and try to reach a decision on what to do,” Lennier said.

According to state law, the commissioners may begin such proceedings against any elected official in the county. If they decide to go forward, the matter would be filed in district court. The issue would be heard by a judge and jury in a trial setting to determine whether ouster is appropriate.