The state multicounty grand jury heard extra testimony Wednesday in regards to the troubled Oklahoma County jail and will challenge a report on its findings in March or April.
The exercise comes because the belief that oversees jail operations has been hit with two new federal civil rights lawsuits.
Here are key dates to recollect in regards to the investigation of the Oklahoma County jail that’s now earlier than the state’s multicounty grand jury.
Feb. 4, 2021: Oklahoma County jail fails well being inspection
Two inspectors from the Oklahoma State Department of Health make an unannounced go to to the 13-story facility simply west of downtown Oklahoma City. They discover dozens of well being violations, together with moldy showers, a bedbug infestation, cockroaches, overcrowded cells, inadequate staffing and different well being violations.
Their report turns into public in March 2021, days after a lethal hostage incident, and causes widespread outrage.
Sept. 29, 2021: District Attorney David Prater asks county grand jury to research jail
Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater requires the convening of an Oklahoma County grand jury to research the jail over the well being violations. He tells a choose in his written software there are “credible allegations that involve official corruption and/or official neglect … committed by State and/or County officials.”
He additionally desires an investigation of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.
Oct. 18, 2021: Oklahoma county grand jury seated
A dozen Oklahoma County residents are chosen at random to serve on the brand new grand jury. Also chosen are three alternates.
January 2022: Multicounty grand jury impaneled
Special prosecutor Jack Thorp chooses to have the multicounty grand jury take up the jail investigation. The Oklahoma County grand jury continues to have a look at the parole board.
Nov. 9, 2022: Oklahoma County jail trustees testify
Five of the 9 trustees who oversee jail operations testify earlier than the multicounty grand jury.
Their appearances are reported by The Oklahoman and are available to be considered as a vital growth in the investigation. Other jail witnesses testified earlier in the year with out media consideration.
Dec. 5, 2022: Oklahoma County jail administrator Greg Williams resigns
The jail administrator, Greg Williams, pronounces he’s resigning. His announcement comes a month after a new trustee, the Rev. Derrick Scobey, referred to as for him to be fired. It additionally comes after discussions that concerned the particular prosecutor.
Jan. 11, 2023: Prater testifies earlier than the multicounty grand jury
The multicounty grand jury hears testimony in regards to the jail from Prater, who retired after spending 16 years as DA. Grand jurors additionally hear extra from Scobey and the previous belief chairman, Jim Couch.
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