Carney Police Chief Turns in Resignation

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

CARNEY, Oklahoma -- The Lincoln County District Attorney announced the resignation of the Carney Police Chief Thursday during a meeting with residents in Carney.

District Attorney Richard Smothermon said former Police Chief Greg Wilson gave him a letter of resignation as chief of police and surrendered his Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training license.

"I don't know why he didn't send the letter in the day he sent in the fax. It clearly angered me. In fact it appeared to me he was trying to deceive me for lack of a better word, which is why I'm here tonight to make sure there's some finale to it," Smothermon said.

In exchange for his resignation and CLEET license, Smothermon said he would not file charges against Wilson. Smothermon said he was set to file felony charges against Wilson for signing a document stating two people were full-time salaried officers when they were not so they could go through CLEET certification training.

Wilson's attorney, Irven Box, said he advised Wilson to resign and turn in his CLEET license because it was the best way to put the incident behind him. Wilson did not admit to any wrong doing but resigned for health reasons.

During the meeting with Carney residents Thursday, most in attendance said they were in support of Wilson. Some residents asked whether any other city employees were liable in the case, but Smothermon said Wilson was the only person who committed an illegal act.

As for the two people who illegally went through CLEET training, one has voluntarily surrendered their CLEET license. The D.A.'s office is in talks with the other party regarding how to proceed.

Assistant Chief Curtis Rackley will serve as the interim chief for the time being.

Box also serves as a legal analyst for NEWS 9.

More on News9.com: Carney Police Chief to Be Topic of Town Board Meeting