Okmulgee Vice Mayor and City Councilmember Marcus Jeffrey, 63, turned himself in Tuesday and was arrested on child abuse charges, according to state investigators. The case centers on a Nov. 24, 2025 incident that agents say was captured on video during a youth meeting at a local church.
Investigators say the footage shows Jeffrey striking several minors with a belt during the gathering.
In a release via OSBI, agents said the Okmulgee Police Department asked state investigators to review the case, and the Okmulgee County District Attorney's office issued an arrest warrant on Tuesday. According to that release, special agents reviewed surveillance video from inside East Side Baptist Church and reported that Jeffrey was seen swinging a belt and hitting multiple children. The agency said Jeffrey later surrendered to authorities and was booked into the Okmulgee County Detention Center.
CITY COUNCILMEMBER ARRESTED FOR CHILD ABUSE #OSBI #OneTeamOneMission @OkmulgeePD
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Role in city government
Jeffrey is listed on the City of Okmulgee website as vice mayor and the Ward 4 councilmember. The city's council directory notes that members serve as volunteers and are reimbursed for official expenses.
Legal process and penalties
The Okmulgee County District Attorney's warrant indicates prosecutors have approved charges and the case will move into county court. Under Oklahoma law, child abuse can be charged as a felony with penalties that can include significant prison time and fines. The statutory language and potential penalties are detailed on Justia.
What’s next
Arraignment and other court dates will be scheduled in Okmulgee County District Court and are expected to appear in public court filings. As the case proceeds, prosecutors, the district attorney's office or court clerks will file formal charging documents and set the timeline for hearings.
