Pubdate: Mon, 03 Feb 2003
Source: Tahlequah Daily Press (OK)
Copyright: Tahlequah Daily Press 2003
Contact:  http://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2636

GOSS OPTS OUT

Cherokee County Sheriff Delena Goss said this week she will not work with 
Richard Gray's drug enforcement task force because of his decision to 
install Vyrl Keeter as head of the drug enforcement unit. The sheriff said 
part of her problem with Keeter stems from public controversy surrounding 
him. Statewide media reports cited thousands of dollars in questioned 
travel claims, which forced him to resign from U.S. Congressman Brad 
Carson's staff and the Oklahoma Wildlife Commission. Gray stands behind the 
decision to have Keeter lead the unit. Goss said she learned of Gray's move 
last Friday at a briefing prior to a raid in Cherokee County. She and 
members of her staff walked away and refused to take part in the service of 
the search warrant, and the raid was called off. "He [Keeter] has no 
history in law enforcement," Goss said. "I think his involvement 
compromises the safety of my officers." She said safety is a key when 
serving drug search warrants. Keeter has refused to comment about the 
questioned travel claims, saying they are "in the past." Gray has also said 
he has no problem with Keeter or the travel claim issue. The task force has 
worked with local departments, state and federal agencies in each of the 
four counties.

Goss and her office has been involved in task force operations since she 
took office in 1997. "We'll do our own drug investigations," she said.

Keeter accused Goss of taking "cheap shots" at him. Gray said he believes 
Keeter is the right man for the post, and noted the former school 
administrator started Muskogee's first drug awareness program.

He also questioned whether Goss' decision was politically motivated because 
of her friendship with his predecessor, Dianne Barker-Harrold. Gray 
defeated Barker-Harrold in last August's primary election. Gray said he did 
not want to make Goss mad, but that he was not afraid of her. He said he 
believes Goss is trying to undermine him, but "it will not work." Goss said 
that in the past, all the agencies worked together in the task force, but 
she does not intend to work with the organization as long as Keeter is 
involved in its operation.

She also pointed out Keeter's association with local bail bond agent Renee 
Allcorn. Gray said he has no problem with that, either, adding that Keeter 
and Allcorn have worked together on political campaigns, including Gray's 
own campaign. But Goss said the relationship with Allcorn brings up 
confidentiality questions. Gray said he doesn't need a "door-kicker" to 
lead the task force.

He added he and Keeter will decide whether investigations are justified.
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