© 2024 KGOU
News and Music for Oklahoma
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Tulsa Reserve Sheriff's Deputy Arraigned, State Supreme Court Considers Grand Jury Request

Tulsa County Sheriff's Office reserve deputy Robert Bates
Tulsa County Sheriff's Office

Former Tulsa County reserve sheriff’s deputy Robert Bates appeared in court Monday morning and pleaded not guilty to a single felony charge of second-degree manslaughter. Bates shot Eric Harris after confusing his handgun with his Taser while Harris was being detained during a sting operation April 2.

It was standing room only during the 12-minute arraignment, and the courtroom and hallway outside were filled mainly by family and friends of Harris, and by supporters of a grand jury investigation into the sheriff’s office.

The judge assigned to the manslaughter trial will remain on the case. District Judge James Caputo said he was a reserve deputy 20 years ago, before Robert Bates was ever a reserve. Marq Lewis, the leader of a movement to have the sheriff’s office investigated by a grand jury, wasn’t completely satisfied.

“I believe he may have a family member or something that still works for the sheriff’s department, so that’s concerning to the public,” Lewis said.

Caputo said during Bates’ arraignment he hasn’t shied away from a single case yet, and he doesn’t intend to now. He did add he may reconsider if new information surfaces. The trial is set to begin February 8, which caught Lewis by surprise.

Bates and his attorney left the courthouse Monday without comment.

On Tuesday, Oklahoma Supreme Court referee Greg Albert will consider a request by Tulsa County Sheriff Stanley Glanz to stop the grand jury investigation. Glanz’s lawyers want the lower court’s decision to convene a grand jury July 20 overturned because they argue some signatures were gathered improperly and the petition should be rejected.

“It’s been a people’s movement,” Lewis said. “We’ve all worked hard together just to get to this point.”

More than 6,600 Tulsans petitioned for the investigation into whether Glanz neglected his duties, and whether reservists who gave gifts to the sheriff were shown special treatment.

Also on Monday, Tulsa County Commissioners decided not to rescind a decision to allow public funds for Glanz to pay for attorneys during a grand jury investigation. Despite objections from the citizens group We The People, Commissioners let the decision stand after hearing from Assistant D.A. Doug Wilson, who said under the law the payments were legal and allowed.

KGOU is a community-supported news organization and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.

Matt Trotter joined KWGS as a reporter in 2013. Before coming to Public Radio Tulsa, he was the investigative producer at KJRH. His freelance work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and on MSNBC and CNN.
More News
Support nonprofit, public service journalism you trust. Give now.