Oklahoma County sheriff to be investigated by state auditor

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma’s state auditor has agreed to conduct an investigative audit of Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel and his office over allegations of financial wrongdoing.

The Oklahoman reports that Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater requested the audit Wednesday, stating in a letter that sections of the Oklahoma Constitution may have been violated. Some concerns that Prater specifically asked State Auditor and Inspector Gary Jones to investigate include whether Whetsel deposits all special revenue funds in statutorily approved accounts and whether he provided false and misleading information to a judge.

Jones said the audit will be started as soon as he can put an audit team together.

Whetsel denied any wrongdoing in a statement Wednesday, and said that he will cooperate completely with the auditor.