OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Questions of corruption are surrounding an Oklahoma County Commissioner led to three prominent residents filing for a grand jury investigation into Myles Davidson.
"We need to know what's actually going on," said Mayor Floyd Eason of Del City.
The mayor, a state representative, and a school board member, all from Del City, are asking for a grand jury investigation into Oklahoma County Commissioner Myles Davidson.
The three, who filed as concerned citizens and not on behalf of Del City, allege corruption and maladministration, over the selection of Southeast 19th and Grand as the new location for the Oklahoma County Jail. That site is close to Del City.
"We're talking about 400 feet. You could nearly hit a softball that far," said Mayor Eason.
"We have daycares that the playground you look diagonal and it's two 300 foot away," said Gina Standridge, a Mid-Del school board member.
"It would be just over two miles away from the economic engine for Oklahoma, and that is Tinker Air Force Base. It would be the closest jail location for any major military installation in the United States. Why in the world would we run the risk of having tinker beyond the chopping block the next time they go through a base realignment and closure process?" said Oklahoma Representative Andy Fugate.
"After all, the other commissioners voted us off the list. He turns around and brings us back," said Mayor Eason.
The county purchased the land from Garrett and Company LLC. Records show an executive from that company donated $2,900 to Davidson's campaign back in 2022.
"He's been a 30 year friend of the seller and we feel like he should have recused himself," said Mayor Eason.
Also in question are the commissioner's campaign finances.
"He was over a year late filing. When he did file them, the campaign finances. They appeared to be hastily thrown together. We don't think they're complete," said Eason. "We asked for documents, certain documents. And he resisted giving them to us until the very last minute."
As I have said before, the facts are very simple. Representative Fugate, Mayor Eason and Gina Standridge have neglected to reach out to me regarding this situation. As of now, I’m not a party to this debate. I would be happy to have a conversation with the both of them. The facts are clear: my vote on the relocation of the jail is based on the critical need for modern, humane detention facilities that can better serve our community. Our current facilities pose significant risks and challenges. I’ve been a leader on this issue and will continue to lead regardless of any criticism or grandstanding.
Myles Davidson, Oklahoma County Commissioner
"When questioned face-to-face, the commissioner ducked his head and remained silent," said Mayor Eason after News 4 received the statement.
"He won't answer. He won't provide documents. So we'll let the grand jury ask the questions," said Eason.
If the filing gets the green light, signatures will be needed before an investigation is launched. Mayor Eason said that will not be a problem.
"People are anxious to open this up and see what's going on," said Mayor Eason.
