Chelsea Town Board Votes To Remove Police Chief After His Arrest

The town board of Chelsea voted to remove its police chief after he was arrested and accused of fraud and computer crimes.

About a dozen people showed up Tuesday night for this meeting from both sides- some saying the police chief’s firing was a long time coming, while others, say he just made a mistake.

The town board voted to remove former Chelsea Police Chief Shawn McKibbin.

Investigators believe McKibbin used fake bank statements to show he had more than $400,000 in his account when he was trying to buy a house with cash, when in reality, his account never had more than $6,000 during that time.

Some people who were at the meeting agree with McKibbin’s firing.

“Shawn McKibbin, he should have been investigated a long time ago for what he has done," said Rhonda Boston, who lives in Chelsea. "And he’s got his dues coming. He did the crime, he should stick up to what he has done.”

Larry Copeland was the only board member who voted against McKibbin being fired.

He says McKibbin deserves his day in court first.

“He was doing a great job for us as far as police work was involved," said Copeland. "He’s got programs started. We’re shorthanded. We only have 2 other full-time officers and a part time. He’s been working with us to try and get some more people.”

The board then voted unanimously to appoint Chelsea Police Officer Kristen Sutherland as Interim Chief.

Sutherland says McKibbin was a great leader and shouldn’t be judged for his mistakes, but she’s excited for the new challenge.

“First, I am going to sit down with my team and we’re going to figure out who can do what, and with the help of county, make sure our town is safe," said Sutherland. "Because that’s what’s important, is our community, before anything else.

Many people in town say the police department has their full support and they are looking forward to moving on.

“I’ve seen them come in here and work way, way more hours than they ought to have to," said Leon Walker, who lives in Chelsea. "And I see them give, and give, and give. These guys do the best they can. Every once in a while, they make a bad decision, but they’re human.”

News On 6 did reach out to McKibbin to see if he has any comments on tonight’s meeting, but did not hear back.

Previous Coverage: Chelsea Police Chief Arrested, Accused Of Falsifying Bank Statement

Chelsea Police Chief Shawn McKibbin was arrested Friday on fraud charges in what investigators said was “an elaborate scheme” to get title to a house.

The Town of Chelsea suspended the Chief following his arrest. The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office is handling emergency calls to supplement the one officer left on duty.

Authorities said McKibbin was arrested by investigators with the Rogers County District Attorney's Office after they said he provided a bad check to a real estate agent.

Law enforcement said McKibbin admitted that he produced fake bank documents proving he had funds to buy the house.

Court records say McKibbin made a $329,000 cash offer for a house, but the check he wrote for $5,000 in earnest money bounced, and in response, he claimed he produced statements showing a balance of $460,727 in one account.

Investigators said the actual bank records showed his balance was $1187.

The lack of payment delayed a closing that the homeowners said forced them to abandon the purchase of another home and move back after leaving in anticipation of closing.

The homeowners said they had turned down a competing offer to take the cash deal.

A real estate agent says she loaned McKibbin the $5,000 earnest money after believing his story about why he couldn’t wire the money he claimed to have.

A call to Chief McKibbin for comment about the allegation and his arrest was not returned.

He posted bond and was released from the Rogers County Jail.