Wagoner County leaders deny wrongdoing as calls for grand jury investigation continue

A call to investigate two public officials in Wagoner County is in the hands of the courts. A judge will decide if signatures asking for an investigation into District Attorney Jack Thorp and Sheriff Chris Elliott are valid.

The attorney for the petitioners says the group gathered the right amount, but Thorp doesn't think the number meets the right requirements.

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1. 'Want to see accountability': Wagoner County residents push for grand jury petition, investigation into Sheriff and District Attorney

Calls for investigation

Some of the people calling for the grand jury investigation into Thorp and Elliott were in the Pittsburg County courthouse on Friday morning, hoping to hear that all the signatures they gathered are valid.

"We're just after the truth and want the truth to be revealed, and a righteous government," said Donna Emmons, a supporter of the petition.

The group, called Wagoner County Citizens Against Corruption, accuses the county leaders of corruption and mismanagement. The petition is centered around four cases, including two people who died in custody.

Thorp and Elliott deny any wrongdoing

The Wagoner County DA and sheriff both deny the accusations made in the petition.

"For individuals to put lies in a petition and attack me, for what I believe to be political reasons, it's offensive," said Thorp.

Elliott also calls the petition political and a big distraction.

"This petition has hurt Wagoner County because it has detracted my ability away from the sheriff's office to do my job and certainly detracted the district attorney away from prosecuting."

Thorp and Elliott say they will talk more about the allegations once things are settled in court.

"We feel very strongly that when he does rule on it, that this will be ruled as an inappropriate grand jury petition," said Elliott.

Decision on signatures expected Monday

The Pittsburg County judge is expected to determine if all the signatures are valid on Monday, June 23rd. The next steps can then proceed.