Superintendent part of criminal investigation

By Amy Lester, NEWS 9

One day off the job and former Oklahoma City School Superintendent, Dr. John Porter, is part of a full blown criminal investigation.

Allegations first surfaced in the school board lawyer's report, originally as reasons that might justify Dr. Porter's termination. Criminal investigators are now using this as a starting point to determine what Porter did or did not do.

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater decided to launch an investigation after a formal request by acting school board chairman Joe Clytus.

"We've got a duty to look in any situation where there are allegations that public money has been misused in some way and clearly just looking at the face of these allegations one can make that argument," Prater said.

Prater said investigators are not trying to build a case against Porter; they'll simply follow the evidence, wherever it leads.  Prater will not file charges unless there's proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Porter's actions are criminal.

Dr. Porter's lawyer said Porter is out of town, but that Porter did not do anything that could be considered criminal.

District Attorney Prater said in cases like this investigators look for evidence of fraud or misappropriation of public funds.

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