18 Oklahoma County Workers Accused of Misuse of County Property

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Several Oklahoma County workers could now face criminal charges after an investigation into the misuse of county property.

District 2 Commissioner Brian Maughan made headlines when he suspended nearly half of his staff. Maughan is now punishing 18 workers for misconduct that he said has been going on for some time.

"The heart of this investigation involves county employees, on county time, taking county equipment and working on fellow county employees properties, and using county materials," Maughan said.

An investigation by the Oklahoma County District Attorney involving the possible misuse of county equipment began mid-August after Maughan got a tip from a citizen.

"I'm thankful for the public who've helped me determined this. I don't pretend to be a superman who figured this all out on my own. I appreciate the public for bringing this to my attention," Maughan said.

Maughan wouldn't share specifics about the alleged misconduct but said it was widespread.

"There are instances of it occurring in more than one place," Maughan said.

Maughan took action against the 18 county workers - demoting two, firing one and still weighing the fate of 10 others. Five workers involved in the investigation simply retired.

"With a heavy heart that any employer probably has to go and face a situation like this and relish one second of this, but I also promised in my campaign I would try to do everything I can to bring integrity to my county government," Maughan said.

The names of those involved in the investigation will be released Friday.

Maughan said none of the projects in the District 2 have been affected by the investigation.

Some of the newly opened job positions will be available as soon as possible, others, however, will not be posted until next spring.