OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma County commissioners declined to back Tommie Johnson III in his escalating dispute with Gentner Drummond over inmate transportation duties, leaving the sheriff largely on his own in a fight that has already disrupted court proceedings.
According to The Oklahoman, Johnson sought support from commissioners — including approval to hire outside legal counsel — as he challenges Drummond’s formal opinion that county sheriffs are responsible for transporting jail inmates to court. Commissioners stopped short of joining that effort.
The dispute intensified earlier this month when dozens of detainees were not transported from the Oklahoma County jail to scheduled court appearances, forcing delays across the criminal justice system, The Oklahoman reported.
Johnson has argued that the responsibility lies with the jail trust, not the sheriff’s office, citing contractual arrangements tied to operation of the county jail. Drummond’s opinion rejects that position, concluding state law places the duty on the sheriff.
Vicki Behenna has also pushed back on the sheriff’s stance, warning the missed transports created cascading disruptions for prosecutors, defense attorneys, victims and witnesses.
A judge has since ordered the sheriff’s office to resume transporting inmates while the legal dispute continues. Johnson has complied with that order but maintains the underlying issue should ultimately be resolved in court.
The standoff highlights ongoing friction among Oklahoma County’s key criminal justice agencies — including the sheriff’s office, jail trust, district attorney and county commissioners — while raising broader questions about accountability and operations at the county jail.
Source: The Oklahoman
