The Tahlequah City Council has fired Assistant Police Chief Dexter Scott after prosecutors filed a malicious-injury-to-property charge tied to an alleged vandalism at Burnt Cabin Marina on Lake Tenkiller. Scott, who had already been placed on administrative leave late last month, was terminated Wednesday in a move city leaders say was warranted by both the criminal case and internal findings. He has requested an administrative hearing to appeal the decision.
Inflatables Punctured At Burnt Cabin Marina
Marina owner Bryce Lubbers said trouble hit almost as soon as a new on-water inflatable attraction went up over Memorial Day weekend. Within hours, he said, the inflatables started sagging, and surveillance video later shared on social media appeared to show someone puncturing the equipment. Lubbers told local reporters the damage topped $11,000 and that he handed the video over to police as evidence. According to KJRH, that footage helped trigger a criminal investigation.
Internal Review, Chief's Reaction
Police Chief Nate King did not try to hide his disappointment, telling reporters, "On a personal level, I am heartbroken." He said an internal review found Scott had violated multiple city and department policies, and that the recommendation to seek termination grew out of that review and conversations with other city leaders. The recommendation was then sent to the city council for a final call.
Council Met In Executive Session And Voted
The city council met behind closed doors in executive session to go over the findings, then returned to open session and voted to fire Scott, making the dismissal effective immediately. City officials told local media the move followed the department's recommendation and the filing of criminal charges. As reported by FOX23, Scott had been placed on leave and has requested an administrative hearing.
Criminal Case Now Pending
Local reporting indicates malicious-injury-to-property charges were filed after Lubbers turned over his evidence to investigators. Earlier coverage by the Tahlequah Daily Press noted an alleged suspect was scheduled for a tribal court appearance in mid-June, and local prosecutors have since pursued criminal charges tied to the marina damage.
Scott's Record And What's Next
City records show Scott joined the Tahlequah Police Department in 2015 and eventually rose to assistant chief. Those records and related reporting indicate he was placed on administrative leave at the end of May and that he has filed for an administrative hearing to contest his termination, according to the City of Tahlequah.
Why It Matters
The sudden ouster of a high-ranking officer has thrown a spotlight on how Tahlequah handles police oversight and discipline, raising questions about accountability at the top of the department just as a criminal case is getting underway. City officials say they are focused on following internal procedures while letting the courts sort out the criminal charge. Court dates and the timeline for Scott's administrative appeal were not immediately available.
