Two Choctaw police officers are off the streets and on administrative leave after a March 26 report alleged they may have had inappropriate contact with a juvenile. Choctaw Police Chief Kelly Marshall said she was alerted by Oklahoma County Sheriff Tommie Johnson III, and the department quickly pulled the officers from duty while the allegation is investigated. Officials have not released the officers' names or any specific details about the reported contact.
According to KOCO, Sheriff Johnson called Marshall on March 26 after the report was filed, alleging two Choctaw officers possibly had inappropriate contact with a juvenile. KOCO reports that the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Investigations Division opened a probe while Choctaw police began an internal administrative review of their own.
"The Choctaw Police Department wants to assure our citizens we hold our officers at the highest ethical and professional standards," Marshall wrote in a department news release, according to the report. KOCO also notes the two officers showed up for their shift about 15 minutes after the sheriff's call and were placed on administrative leave that same day.
Investigations Underway
The Oklahoma County Sheriff's Investigations Division, which the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office lists on its website, is the unit that would handle a criminal probe of this type. At the same time, Choctaw police are running an internal review to determine whether any department policies were violated. Both agencies describe their work as active and say they are following standard investigative procedures.
What Could Happen Next
If investigators develop evidence of criminal conduct, prosecutors with the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office would review the case and decide whether to file charges. The DA's office has a Special Victims Unit that handles crimes against children and other vulnerable people, and any referral involving a juvenile would likely land with that team.
How to Report Tips
Officials are asking anyone with information to contact the Choctaw Police Department or the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office so investigators can follow up. Contact details and a crime-tip form are available on the City of Choctaw Police Department website.
