By John Dobberstein, Editor
COWETA — An investigation by Coweta police into allegations of Opens Records and Open Meetings Act Violations, misuse of public office, ethics violations and lack of transparency about economic development has resulted in no charges being filed.
Coweta Police Chief Michael Bell said in a press conference Monday that investigators conducted a “comprehensive review” of citizen complaints, police reports, sworn statements, Attorney General advisements, municipal policies, supporting documentation and investigative opinions provided by external agencies.
The outside agencies included the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and the Wagoner County District Attorney’s Office.
“After reviewing the available evidence, investigators found the majority of allegations were unsubstantiated,” Bell said.
For the ORA violations, investigators relied in part on determinations by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor, who concluded that records requests were fulfilled appropriately and that the city’s responses were, “prompt and reasonable,” according to Bell.
Those findings contributed to the determination that the alleged violations were unsubstantiated.
The investigation also reviewed concerns related to economic development activities, nondisclosure agreements, communications with private developers and Project Atlas. Many citizens were angered that the city knew about a proposed data center in 2024 but the project didn’t come to light publicly until last year.
But Bell said investigators found no evidence that confidentiality agreements were used to unlawfully conceal records or circumvent statutory disclosure requirements.
“The evidence reviewed indicated that the activities examined fell within the normal scope of municipal administrative and economic development functions,” Bell told the media.
One allegation involving potential violations of the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act was determined to be inconclusive, Bell noted.
“While investigators identified concerns regarding certain procedures, no evidence was developed that established criminal intent or criminal conduct,” he said. “As a result, no criminal finding could be made.”
Because of, “significant public interest,” Bell said investigators also reviewed allegations of bribery, improper compensation and conflicts of interest.
The investigation found no evidence of financial exchanges, undisclosed benefits, quid pro quo arrangements or improper financial relationships that would support such allegations. These claims were therefore determined to be unsubstantiated.
There were also concerns about the city’s procurement of the fireworks contract, but OSBI said the contract fell below the statutory thresholds that require formal competitive bidding procedures. “The review found no evidence that any bidder received an unlawful competitive advantage or that Oklahoma law was violated,” Bell said.
“The investigation determined that while some concerns involving issues of public perception, policy discussion or transparency expectations do exist,” evidence gathered and assessed didn’t meet the threshold for criminal violations, he said.
Although the investigation reached it conclusion, the city said if any new credible evidence emerges about the allegations it would be reviewed and investigated by police.
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