Thursday, January 30th 2025, 5:31 pm
OSBI Under New Leadership
A state agency once under fire now has new leadership. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation’s Commission appointed an interim director on Thursday following the outgoing director Aungela Spurlock’s resignation. The decision to appoint current OSBI Deputy Director Steven Carter as interim director was made during executive session.
"The last couple years have been pretty tumultuous" -Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado
The commission's chairman Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado spoke during the open part of the meeting saying he wanted to set the record straight on Spurlock’s tenure as director. Spurlock sat at the end of the table with commission members Thursday morning.
"We formally accepted the retirement of Director Spurlock,” said Vic Regalado, OSBI Commission Chairman. “I want to start by saying thank you for your service.”
Spurlock served the agency for 23 years. Regalado called the last two years as tumultuous. Regalado said a recent OSBI employee survey laid to rest what he called perceived low morale under Spurlock's leadership.
“I believe, and correct me if I’m wrong, 83 percent responded positively to the direction the OSBI was headed,” said Regalado.
Some called for Spurlock's dismissal after a former employee and families of cold case victims accused her of abusing her power by intercepting complaints intended for the OSBI commission.
Spurlock Responds To Accusations
“I think it’s unfortunate that a small group that perhaps don’t understand what teamwork it or what personal accountability it has caused so much noise,” said Spurlock.
Spurlock said she has met with the families of cold case victims for feedback.
“One of the things was getting some feedback on how we can serve them better,” she said.
Spurlock's official retirement date is effective March 1.
“They have my full support,” said Spurlock.
What Will She Do After OSBI Retirement?
Spurlock said she plans to spend time with her family and continue to advocate for public safety in any future role she takes on.
The next OSBI Commission meeting will be held on Feb. 19. It is unknown if the board will name a new director at the meeting.
Jennifer Pierce is an Emmy-award-winning reporter for News 9 and has been on staff since 2017. While most days, she covers crime in the metro and court cases, she enjoys telling the stories of Native Americans in Oklahoma. Jennifer is a proud member of the Choctaw Nation. She takes pride in the success her tribe and the many other tribes in Oklahoma have gained in recent years.
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