Sheriff of Ottawa County Requests OSBI Investigation into Jail Incident Involving Sanko
Sheriff Requests OSBI Investigation into Jail Incident Involving Sanko
By Inquisitor
Miami News-Digest
MIAMI, Okla. — Ottawa County Sheriff David Dean has requested an independent investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) into an incident involving an arrestee, Sanko, at the county jail. Sheriff Dean issued a press release stating that, at this time, it does not appear that Sanko was assaulted while in custody.
In his statement, Sheriff Dean confirmed that an OSBI agent has been assigned to the case. He also noted that the Ottawa County District Attorney’s Office has dismissed criminal charges against Sanko, as there was no indication that Sanko could form criminal intent at the hospital.
Full Statement from Sheriff Dean
The matter. At this time, it does not appear that any person assaulted Sanko. I have requested the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation to conduct an independent investigation, and an agent has been assigned.
I have consulted with the District Attorney. My Office is taking all necessary steps to preserve all evidence from within the jail during Sanko's detention, to include all video recordings. The District Attorney's Office has dismissed the criminal charges against Sanko, following my consultation with the District Attorney, as it does not appear that Sanko was able to form a criminal intent at the hospital.
The jail personnel may not refuse to accept an arrestee for medical reasons if that person is cleared at the hospital. This jail does not have a padded cell for anyone in that condition. At this time, it appears that the decision to place Sanko in a cell or pod was the right decision. I will investigate how to prevent or mitigate any further incidents along these same lines.
If the OSBI finds any person in my Office, or in my custody, committed any type of criminal act while Sanko was in our custody, criminal charges will be brought against that person or persons.
If there are things that can be changed within this jail due to this incident, it will be done. I will make no further statements pending the outcome of the OSBI investigation.
Investigation and Video Record Requests
Sheriff Dean emphasized that his office is preserving all evidence, including video recordings from within the jail during Sanko's detention. In addition to the OSBI investigation, Ron Durbin from Guerrilla Publishing is working on obtaining those video records. More details on his efforts can be found on his Facebook page.
Ongoing Developments
Sheriff Dean has stated that if any criminal wrongdoing is uncovered during the OSBI investigation, charges will be pursued. Additionally, he has committed to making necessary changes within the jail to prevent similar incidents.
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