Oklahoma AG sends agents to Okemah after police chief, officers fired

Oklahoma’s attorney general ordered state agents to take over policing in Okemah after the city abruptly fired its police chief and several officers in a dispute that began with a trespassing call involving the city’s code enforcer.

On August 8, Okemah Police Officer Trey Jordan responded to two people trespassing. The woman turns out to be the city’s own code enforcer Kimberly Bradshaw, who the police chief says also happens to be the sister of city manager Kristy Lesly. 

"He handled himself by policy, very professional and did what he was instructed to do. He was acting in the performance of his duties," said Police Chief Patrick Williams.

3 Officers Fired, 2 Others Resign

Three days after the interaction, Officer Jordan was placed on administrative leave because of that response. Williams says this all happened while he was on vacation, and when he returned, he planned to reinstate Officer Jordan, but after a private meeting with the city manager, even more people were fired, including the Chief himself and Jordan's wife, Serena. Two other officers quit in protest.

"She didn’t really give me a reason...she fired them on the spot and fired me on the spot," said Williams. 

Okemah City Manager Kristy Lesley Response

"The decision to relieve certain officers from their duties was not made quickly or impulsively. It came after a long period of review, many prayers, and careful consideration of what is best for both our community and our police department. This responsibility is not one I take lightly, and the decision was mine alone. I fully recognize the impact this has on the officers involved, their families, and the people of Okemah.

My duty as City Manager is to ensure accountability, restore trust, and uphold the highest standards of conduct in public service. Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of the citizens of Okemah. We are working closely with the Attorney General's Office, the Okfuskee County Sheriff's Office, the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police, and other law enforcement partners to ensure stability and uninterrupted public safety during this transition. Officers are actively patrolling, and law enforcement coverage remains in place."

Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond response:

In what it says is an "unprecedented move," the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office has ordered state agents to step in for Okemah's police department. Williams says he feels sorry for the community and is disappointed in the city’s leadership.

"I think they were handed a very bad disservice today, as the city manager," he said. 

The officers who were fired say they all plan to take legal action against the city. The next city council meeting is next Monday at 6:00 p.m. and protestors say they will be there. 

Below is the full statement from Attorney General Gentner Drummond:

“I am not afraid to make such a move if it means law and order is maintained in Okemah. When local communities face challenges that threaten public safety, it is our responsibility to ensure that law-abiding citizens remain protected. My office will maintain a strong law enforcement presence in Okemah for as long as necessary, but my agents are approaching their work with professionalism and compassion.”