A statewide grand jury investigation released Thursday intensified political scrutiny surrounding Gov. Kevin Stitt after jurors detailed what they described as preferential treatment tied to the high-profile case of donor-connected inmate Sara Polston.
The Multi-County Grand Jury examined Polston’s early transfer from prison into the Oklahoma Department of Corrections’ GPS monitoring program after she served just 73 days of an eight-year sentence tied to a 2023 drunken-driving crash that seriously injured Micaela Borrego.
Borrego suffered traumatic brain injuries and permanent disabilities in the crash.
The case became politically explosive because Sara Polston and her husband, Rod Polston, were major donors to Stitt’s political campaigns.
According to the report, recorded jail calls captured the couple referring to Stitt as “our friend,” “our buddy” and “the guy” while discussing efforts to assist Sara Polston during her incarceration.
Jurors also stated the governor personally made multiple calls to the Department of Corrections regarding the case.
While the grand jury did not accuse Stitt or corrections officials of criminal wrongdoing, the report repeatedly raised concerns about political access, preferential treatment and unequal application of the criminal justice system.
“Citizens deserve an even playing field irrespective of wealth, social status and political connections,” the report stated.
Jurors cited what they described as unusual treatment surrounding Polston’s prison transfers and approval for placement in the GPS monitoring program.
The report also criticized corrections officials for failing to adequately involve Borrego’s family before approving Polston’s release into electronic monitoring.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond said the findings demonstrated the need for reforms and greater accountability.
“I appreciate the work of the jury to thoroughly investigate this case and find where improvements need to be made,” Drummond said in a statement. “Oklahomans deserve a criminal justice system that is fair and impartial.”
The grand jury recommended multiple reforms tied to early-release oversight, victim notification procedures and eligibility standards for GPS monitoring placements.
Jurors also praised lawmakers for recently approving Senate Bill 137, legislation intended to tighten restrictions surrounding the program.
Stitt forcefully denied accusations of favoritism and accused critics of politicizing the case during the 2026 governor’s race.
“My heart goes out to the victim, Micaela Borrego, and her family,” Stitt said in a statement. “Justice got it right; the inmate should be punished.”
The governor also emphasized that the grand jury did not allege criminal misconduct by his office.
“I did zero favors for this inmate,” Stitt said. “The grand jury said there is no criminal wrongdoing from DOC or the Governor’s Office.”
Though he did not mention him by name, Stitt also appeared to criticize Drummond, who is running for governor in 2026.
The report is likely to intensify ongoing political and ethical disputes surrounding Stitt during the final years of his administration, particularly as Republican candidates increasingly draw contrasts over transparency, influence and accountability in state government.
