Tulsa County Sheriff Stanley Glanz’s 26-plus years in office are coming to an abrupt end.
A grand jury investigation Glanz fought hard to prevent has culminated in two misdemeanor indictments against him.
The two charges stem from denied records requests after a reserve deputy killed an unarmed man and from Glanz’s use of a county SUV while receiving a monthly $600 stipend to drive his personal vehicle.
Laurie Phillips represents We The People Oklahoma, the group that petitioned for the grand jury investigation. She said Glanz could face up to a year in jail and $1,000 in fines.
"The sheriff is entitled to a jury trial still, because it did come from a grand jury, but, I mean, that is the worst," Phillips said.
The grand jury also called for Glanz to be removed from office. Glanz’s attorney Scott Wood said that won’t be necessary.
"He will resign in the immediate future, certainly before Nov. 10," Wood said.
Nov. 10 is when Glanz is due in court for a hearing on charges of refusal to perform official duty and willful violation of the law. A spokesman said he is currently in Colorado.
Given his office’s relationship with the sheriff’s office, District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said he’s asked the attorney general to appoint another prosecutor.
"It would be only appropriate for a full and fair opportunity for those allegations that any proceedings would be held and conducted by a different prosecuting office," Kunzweiler said.
The grand jury was called by citizens group We The People Oklahoma after a reserve deputy shot and killed Eric Harris, an unarmed suspect, during an undercover gun buy. Deputy Robert Bates is quoted as saying at the time he mistook his gun for his taser.
We The People Organizer Marq Lewis said the investigation request was nothing personal.
"This is about the security of public safety for our city and our county," Lewis said.
The grand jury also had a list of recommendations in its report for the sheriff’s office and its training program.
