Interim CEO named to head troubled Oklahoma County jail

This photo provided by Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority, shows Maj. Brandi Garner. The Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority, the trust that oversees the Oklahoma County jail, named Garner interim chief executive officer as administrator of the troubled facility on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. Garner will replace Greg Williams, who announced his resignation as CEO of the jail earlier this month. (Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority via AP)

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The trust that oversees the Oklahoma County jail on Friday named an interim chief executive officer as administrator of the troubled facility.

Maj. Brandi Garner will replace Greg Williams, who announced his resignation as CEO of the jail earlier this month, according to a statement from the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority. Garner has worked as director of security at the jail since January, according to trust chair Jim Couch.

“I expect she will bring new ideas and new energy to the organization,” Couch said.

Garner said she looks forward to leading lead the jail’s operations.

“I’m looking forward to ensuring we continue our positive growth, prioritizing the safety and well-being of our detainees, our staff and our community,” Garner said.

The trust took over operation of the jail from the sheriff’s office in July 2020.

Since then, it has come under fire because of inmate deaths, escapes and other incidents. That criticism intensified after an inmate was shot and killed after taking a detention officer hostage in March 2021.

Garner will work with Williams through his last day on Jan. 19, according to the statement.

The release said the jail trust has no timetable set for naming a permanent CEO.