Grady County DA Accuses Police, Sheriff Of Corruption

Thursday, September 7th 2006, 10:36 am

By: News On 6

CHICKASHA, Okla. (AP) -- Chickasha Police Chief Lynn Williams says his office is investigating whether officers were involved in illegal drug sales and gambling at the Elks Lodge.

Agents with the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement agency and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol raided the lodge Wednesday night and say Grady County Sheriff Kieran McMullen, several deputies and some officers were there.

The agents seized about ten gambling machines and documents and other records.

Williams says he was told of an investigation into activities at the lodge a few weeks ago and his office is conducting an internal affairs investigation. He declined to say if any officers are suspended.

District Attorney Bret Burns says the - quote - "public corruption" of McMullen and the other officers is shocking and that McMullen should resign as sheriff.

McMullen confirms he was at the lodge Wednesday night but says he was not aware of any illegal activity.

No arrests have been made but Burns says he'll present the case to a multicounty grand jury.