Coal County commissioner says sheriff acted improperly

COALGATE, Okla. (AP) -- A Coal County commissioner says an investigation has found the county sheriff acted "inappropriately" toward a female dispatcher.<br/><br/>Commissioner Johnny Ward says there were

Thursday, April 14th 2005, 9:54 am

By: News On 6

COALGATE, Okla. (AP) -- A Coal County commissioner says an investigation has found the county sheriff acted "inappropriately" toward a female dispatcher.

Commissioner Johnny Ward says there were improper actions by Sheriff Roy Deck, but he declined further comment and said the findings of the investigation will be disclosed next week.

A complaint filed by 18-year-old dispatcher Shawyna Eastep says the sheriff kissed her in January and asked her to have a sexual relationship with him.

Deck says he doesn't think he's done anything wrong, but declined to say whether he kissed the woman.

Deck has placed himself on administrative leave. As an elected official he can't be fired, but could be asked to resign.

Deck was first elected sheriff in April 2000 and was re-elected last year.