Drug Case Against Sean Sutton Dismissed

The attorney for former Oklahoma State basketball coach Sean Sutton says a Payne County judge has dismissed the drug case and expunged the record against Sutton.

Friday, August 19th 2011, 9:26 am

By: News 9


Layna Dewell, News9.com

STILLWATER, Oklahoma – One year into his deferred sentence, a judge has dismissed the case and expunged the record of former Oklahoma State head men's basketball coach Sean Sutton.

On Wednesday, Sutton withdrew his guilty plea and entered a not guilty plea asking the court to dismiss the charges and expunge the record.

Sutton's attorney Trace Morgan filed the motion to accelerate the deferment about three weeks ago and on Wednesday, after no objection from the district attorney's office, Payne County Associate District Judge Stephen Kistler granted the motion to accelerate the deferment because Sutton completed all terms and conditions of his deferment.

"Sean did all of those things and more, he went beyond the requirements of the court," said Morgan.

"We were very pleased and very happy and very appreciative," said Morgan. "I know that Sean was very appreciative that he [Judge Kistler] was willing to allow that, because he certainly didn't have to."

On August 13, 2010 Sutton pleaded guilty to four drug charges and received a three-year deferred sentence. The terms of the plea agreement required Sutton to continue drug treatment and rehabilitation, complete 100 hours of community service, to testify against the people who provided him with the drugs, and he was required to pay a $2,500 fine along with court costs.

"We provided proof of compliance on all those things to the district attorney's office," said Morgan. "The district attorney then filed their response to our motion verifying that he had completed all those things that he was asked to do and in fact that he had gone beyond what they had asked him to do."

The court case stems from Sutton's Feb. 11 arrest in Stillwater for which he was charged for obtaining a controlled or dangerous substance by fraud, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, attempted possession of a controlled dangerous substance and use of a communication device to facilitate a felony.

"I think everybody involved saw that this is not the normal way this goes, this guy is taking this serious. He doesn't want to re-offend; he doesn't want to be caught up in what is arguably one of the most heinous addictions in our society," said Morgan.

2/12/10 Related Story: Former OSU Coach Sean Sutton Arrested on Drug Complaint

8/13/10 Related Story: No Jail Time for Sean Sutton

"I think he was a model for those who are first time offenders," said Morgan. "He just got caught up in something that was bigger than he could handle on his own."

"Instead of running and hiding, Sean stood up, took his medicine he handled this like a man," said Morgan. "He was responsible and did what was necessary to help repair his life and his addiction and wants to move on."

Sutton did not immediately return messages seeking comment Friday.

"Sean is an unbelievable coach, so for him to get back into coaching and to have the opportunity with his brother over at ORU has given him a new lease on life."

After spending last season as an unpaid executive adviser, Sean has since been hired as a full-time assistant for the ORU Golden Eagles along side his brother Scott who has been the head coach at ORU for 12 seasons.

"Hopefully someday in the future Sean will have his own program again and it can be a testimony to second chances."

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