Oklahoma County to further investigate sheriff over audit

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma County commissioners have voted to further investigate a sheriff rather than seek his immediate suspension from office over an audit that was critical of mismanaged funds.

The audit found that Sheriff John Whetsel’s office, among other things, didn’t pay contracts for inmate health care services even though money was available. About $900,000 was spent on sheriff’s office vehicles even though other financial obligations had not been met, and the office accepted a donation of Whetsel’s personal vehicle without approval by the Board of County Commissioners.

The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/2emautO ) reports that Whetsel had asked commissioners to take no action against him, citing that he was re-elected Tuesday despite the audit findings.

District Attorney David Prater is conducting a criminal investigation into the audit findings.