Grady County Deputy Says He Was Fired For Exposing Department's Misconduct

According to Deputy Ryan Lake, he was fired for being a whistleblower. He claims the sheriff knew murder suspect George Rouse was on the run for killing his friend and was suicidal.

Tuesday, January 24th 2012, 11:29 pm

By: News 9


A Grady county sheriff's deputy claims he was fired after exposing misconduct at the department.

According to Deputy Ryan Lake, he was fired for being a whistleblower. He claims the sheriff knew murder suspect George Rouse was on the run for killing his friend and was suicidal.

Yet the deputy told News 9 Sheriff Art Kell didn't notify neighboring departments, because he wanted Grady County to make the arrest.

On January 2, Grady County Sheriff deputies were called to Danny Franklin's parents' home east of Chickasha, after his father found him dead. His friend George Rouse, was accused of murdering him.

1/12/2012 Related Story: Suspect Arrested In Grady County Murder

While Rouse ran, an email allegedly went out to Grady County deputies stating the murder suspect was wanted for back child support. Lake allegedly questioned his superiors.

"Why are we getting this as an email? why is this going on the radio that all of them is supposed to be," Lake asked.

The superior responded.

"They only want us to know about it. I said that is absolutely unacceptable," Lake said.

Lake told News 9 he notified neighboring departments. Rouse, a known meth addict and accused murderer, was found by OSBI hours later.

1/11/12 Related Story: Arrest Made In Grady County Homicide

Rouse committed suicide in his cell days later. Tuesday, Lake was hand-delivered a two-sentence letter simply stating his services were no longer needed.

1/16/2012 Related Story: Autopsy Confirms Grady County Murder Suspect Committed Suicide

"I feel very good about what I did. I protected my fellow officers. I did my very best to protect the public and I don't feel bad about it a bit," Lake said.

A source told News 9 the internal emails were altered and Lake's actions are politically motivated to cover a prior misdemeanor conviction in Key West Florida, since he is running for McClain County Sheriff.

Lake said it was the right thing to do and one has nothing to do with the other.

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