Del City Leaders Begin Circulating Petition For Grand Jury Investigation Into County Commissioner

In the latest in the battle against a new Oklahoma County Jail, an Oklahoma County judge has given approval to a citizen petition for a grand jury investigation into Oklahoma County Commissioner Myles Davidson.

Del City Mayor Floyd Eason, State Rep. Andy Fugate (D-Del City), and Mid-Del School Board Member Gina Standridge filed the petition in their individual capacities.

In new court filings, District Judge Kory Kirkland found the petition makes “reasonably specific allegations which may lead to the removal from office of Myles Davidson, County Commissioner District 3.” The judge’s June 28 order gives 45 days to gather the required signatures to convene a grand jury.

“We think we’re not going to have any trouble at all finding signatures,” Eason said.

The petition now being circulated accuses Davidson of corruption in office and willful maladministration for his role in purchasing land for a new Oklahoma County jail.

Opponents of the East Grand Boulevard site are drawing attention to a campaign donation made to Davidson by a co-owner of the now-purchased property and late campaign ethics reports that appear to show donations over the legal limit.

Davidson said that in June, a company hired to file the reports is working on amending them.

“The more we looked, the more we felt like a grand jury investigation was needed to get to the bottom of this,” Eason said.

Davidson told News 9 in a statement:

"As I have said before, the facts are very simple. Representative Fugate, Mayor Eason and Gina Standridge have neglected to reach out to me regarding this situation. As of now, I’m not a party to this debate. I would be happy to have a conversation with both of them. The facts are clear: my vote on the relocation of the jail is based on the critical need for modern, humane detention facilities that can better serve our community. Our current facilities pose significant risks and challenges. I’ve been a leader on this issue and will continue to lead regardless of any criticism or grandstanding."

Eason said two Del City businesses have agreed to have signing locations. He said more locations will soon be announced. Eason also said volunteers will knock on doors near the proposed jail site to collect signatures.

The group said they need to collect 5,000 signatures, but anticipate gathering double before the July 28th deadline. According to the petition, signees must be a registered voter in Oklahoma County.