Ok. Co. Sheriff Will Keep Job, Pending Outcome Of Investigation

Oklahoma County Commissioners have voted, and Sheriff John Whetsel will keep his job for now, pending a continued investigation into a controversial audit.

Whetsel maintains he did nothing wrong. He asked commissioners to let his public support speak for itself. He edged Mike Christian in Tuesday’s election to keep his Sheriff’s seat.

Commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday morning to have the District Attorney’s Office continue investigation into Whetsel and the audit. Brian Maughan was initially the only commissioner to advocate Whetsel’s suspension.

Maughan said the tipping point in his decision was the discovery of Whetsel’s unpaid Armor Correctional Health contract that now has the county tied up in a lawsuit.

While the investigation continues, Whetsel will not be suspended. District Attorney David Prater said the investigation can take anywhere from two to six months

11/2/16 Related Story: OK County Commissioners Hold Off Until After Election In Sheriff Audit