Coal County sheriff places himself on leave after sex harassment allegations

COALGATE, Okla. (AP) -- Coal County commissioners are investigating allegations that the sheriff sexually harassed a female dispatcher.<br/><br/>Sheriff Roy Deck placed himself on administrative leave

Friday, April 8th 2005, 9:49 am

By: News On 6

COALGATE, Okla. (AP) -- Coal County commissioners are investigating allegations that the sheriff sexually harassed a female dispatcher.

Sheriff Roy Deck placed himself on administrative leave last week after Shawyna Eastep said Deck kissed her Jan. 14 and asked her to have a sexual relationship with him, according to a complaint she filed with the county commissioners.

Eastep, 18, accused Deck of other inappropriate actions, including calling her mother and delaying a pay raise.

Deck, 52, declined to comment about her statements.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Marcum said a Bryan County independent investigator would help commissioners in the probe.

Eastep declined to comment, said her mother, Lisa Talley.

"We feel like the investigation should run its course and that's the professional thing to do," Talley said.

Elected officials can resign but cannot be fired, Marcum said. Commissioners can try to oust Deck in court.

Deck said he has been asked to step down.

"At this point in time, I see no reason for me to resign," he said. "But I have had pressure put on me about resigning by some officials."

County Commissioner Johnny Ward said if the allegations are true, Deck's actions were inappropriate and unprofessional.

Deck first was elected sheriff in April 2000, according to the Coal County Election Board. He was re-elected last year.

Undersheriff Ray Pebworth is acting as sheriff while Deck is on leave.