August 8, 2024
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has completed its review of a July incident involving a Watonga man and his son. On July 4, John Sexton was approached by two Watonga Police Department officers during an early morning walk. One of the officers detained him with handcuffs in front of his 6-year-old son.
The OSBI has now handed the case back to local authorities after determining whether the officers’ use of force was justified. While the OSBI did not disclose its findings, a spokesperson confirmed that the Blaine County District Attorney’s Office now has the case.
The district attorney’s office will decide whether to press charges or refer the matter to a grand jury. Alternatively, they might choose not to pursue charges, though this could still lead to the officer losing his job.
The city’s response to community calls, including from the Blaine County sheriff, to place the involved officers on leave has so far been unaddressed. There is currently no set deadline for the district attorney’s decision.
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