A State Representative called for the resignation of Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel Tuesday. House Public Safety Committee Chair Mike Christian, R-Oklahoma City, said during a press conference he was concerned about the management of the jail.
Over the weekend, two inmates died in their cells and a third inmate escaped the facility.
“If this happened at DOC [Department of Corrections], I can tell you right now as Chair of Public Safety, we would ask for his head,” Christian said.
Christian announced earlier this year he is running for Oklahoma County Sheriff but insists the call for Whetsel’s resignation is unrelated. Christian says the announcement comes after repeated public safety concerns.
“This has nothing to do with the campaign. This has to do with my duty. I’m not above going out and doing the tough things. Something has to give, and I’m asking for his resignation as of today,” Christian said.
He says Whetsel’s leadership has led to dangerous working conditions in the jail.
In a statement, Whetsel said the jail is investigating the escape. He chastised the representative for “playing politics rather than representing citizens.”
Editor's note: The escaped inmate was recaptured Tuesday afternoon.
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