Oklahoma's governor has urged the resignation of four officials from McCurtain County after they allegedly took part in a secretly recorded conversation that included racist comments about lynching Black individuals and threats against journalists. The McCurtain Gazette-News released the audio, reportedly captured after a Board of Commissioners meeting on March 6. The newspaper claims the recording was legally obtained, but the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office contends it was recorded illegally and is investigating, suggesting the audio may have been altered.
Governor Kevin Stitt expressed his shock and disappointment over the offensive remarks, stating that such hateful language has no place in Oklahoma, especially from public officials. He called for the immediate resignation of Sheriff Kevin Clardy, District 2 Commissioner Mark Jennings, sheriff’s investigator Alicia Manning, and jail administrator Larry Hendrix. Stitt also intends to request an investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
The incident occurred in McCurtain County, located about 200 miles from Oklahoma City. The recording surfaced shortly after Gazette-News reporter Chris Willingham filed a lawsuit against the sheriff’s office, Manning, and the Board of County Commissioners, accusing them of defamation and civil rights violations.
In the recording, Manning expressed concerns about encountering Willingham near the newspaper’s office. Jennings allegedly made comments about his father’s past anger towards the newspaper, suggesting violent intentions. The discussion also included references to having equipment for digging holes, implying threats.
The Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association has suspended the memberships of Clardy, Manning, and Hendrix. Meanwhile, the Willingham family has been advised to temporarily leave town due to ongoing harassment related to their reporting efforts.
The McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office is investigating potential violations of the Oklahoma Security of Communications Act, which prohibits secret recordings without consent. They claim the released audio has been altered, though the reasons remain unclear. The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office is also reviewing the audio, while the FBI has not confirmed its involvement in the investigation.