Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office critic receives community support after arrest

A critic of the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office was arrested for allegedly violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act, sparking community backlash over accusations of retaliation and misuse of the law.

Thursday, January 23rd 2025, 8:07 pm

By: Deanne Stein


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A social media critic of the Cleveland County sheriff’s office is getting community support following his arrest on Wednesday. Michael Reynolds is accused of violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act for posting public documents involving the sheriff.

Reynolds is known for his outspoken criticism of the Sheriff’s office on his Facebook page Wilder News, but a recent post landed him in jail with many in the community asking why.

Reynolds was arrested at his workplace on Wednesday. Investigators say he posted leaked internal reports and public documents listing the home addresses of Sheriff Chris Amason and a deputy.

“We're treading dangerous water when we're arresting individuals because they ask questions,” said a longtime resident of Norman who wanted to remain anonymous. “I think Mr. Reynolds was asking some difficult questions and the person's whose job it is answer those difficult questions decided he wasn't going to answer them or even acknowledge them, he was just going to pursue some trumped-up charges.”

Reynolds frequently posts criticisms of the sheriff online over his management of the Cleveland County Jail and the agency's budget, leading to layoffs and an independent audit. However, this time, investigators suggest Reynolds engaged in doxxing, the act of sharing private information online with harmful intent.

“Everything that Mr. Reynolds spoke about is public record,” said the concerned citizen. “There wasn't a violation of anything; there was no doxxing.” 

On a Norman Community Facebook page, many people agree, calling the arrest a “retaliation,” “ridiculous,” and full of “corruption.”

“He is not above the law, and the law is not there to be weaponized so that you can beat people into submission or force people into silence,” the resident said.

County leaders declined to talk about the pending investigation. We went to the sheriff's office to speak to Sheriff Amason about the arrest, but he wasn't available.

Reynolds has since bonded out of jail and declined to comment on Thursday until he meets with his attorney. He is also charged with two counts of publishing information identifying a peace officer.

He's due in court next month.

Deanne Stein

Deanne Stein is a reporter for News 9 in Oklahoma City. She grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma, and received her journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. 

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