Bribery Charges Dismissed Against Ex-Wagoner Sheriff

Felony charges of taking a bribe were dismissed today against former Wagoner County Sheriff Bob Colbert.

He pleaded to a misdemeanor count of neglect of duty and got a five-year deferred sentence.

His attorneys said Colbert never took a dime of money and this puts those charges to rest.

1/3/2017 Related Story: Judge Agrees To Dismiss Charge Against Former Wagoner County Sheriff

Their full statement is below:

"Today was a Victory. All felony charges were finally dismissed with no conviction on any charge at all.   Former Sheriff Colbert  never took even one dime of funds and all allegations saying he did are now put to rest. 

We had already succeeded in getting all counts dismissed of the Civil Removal from office case and now all accusations from the grand jury are dismissed as well.  We also  have settled our lawsuit against former Attorney General Scott Pruitt, and settled our pending motion for attorney's fees in the ouster case.  The Sheriff is looking forward to finally enjoying his retirement. 

 Relentless pursuit of the truth pays off even when the deck is stacked against you.  After 40 years dedicated to law enforcement, we hope the Sheriff relaxes and enjoys his retirement with his lovely family.  We would like to thank our co-counsel Thomas Mortensen for his indispensable work on this case. --Michon Hastings Hughes and Clinton C. Hastings, Attorneys for Bob Colbert."

Full statement from Colbert:

"I'm happy to put all of this behind me and get on with enjoying my wife's and my retirement.  I can't thank my lawyers Michon Hastings Hughes, Clint Hastings, and Thomas Mortensen enough, they are incredible.  As far as the controversies surrounding civil asset forfeitures all over Oklahoma and nationwide, I think it is highly unfortunate that there is such a lack of clarity of the law and no uniformity as to procedures in using disclaimers of interest forms.  I no longer have a dog in that fight, but the AG and the state need to make some decisions and implement guidance and training to officers all across the state."