Woodward Co. Sheriff's absence raises concerns. Here's what we know

Confusion and anger are spreading in the town of Woodward as community members raise questions about the county sheriff, who is rumored to be out of the country.

News 9 visited the Woodward County Sheriff’s Office, where the front desk clerk shared that Sheriff Kevin Mitchell is currently in Panama, a country in Central America, with his wife.

Residents are raising concerns because the sheriff has allegedly been gone for more than 30 days, according to a local outlet, Woodward News. 

The front desk clerk at the sheriff’s office told News 9 off camera that Mitchell is in constant communication with the office in Woodward via email, completing his duties from Panama.

In the meantime, the undersheriff oversees day-to-day operations, according to the employee.

However, residents at Monday’s County Commission meeting argued it’s a waste of taxpayer dollars to pay a county employee who is not present in the county. 

“I have nothing against him. I voted for him, I campaigned for him. I personally have nothing against him. But I want my sheriff to be here in this county doing his job,” Ray Bayliff, a Woodward resident, said. 

Minutes from Monday's board meeting acknowledge that several community members voiced concerns.

Ward 1 County Commissioner Troy White confirmed to News 9 in a statement Wednesday, “[the board] requested a legal opinion from District Attorney Chris Boring regarding concerns brought forth in our public meeting by citizens in attendance and to offer guidance moving forward in accordance with Oklahoma state statutes.”

It’s unclear when the DA is expected to return that opinion to the board. 

News 9 also reached out to the District Attorney’s office and Sheriff Mitchell for a statement but did not hear back.