Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
1.4K
Judge Tells Sheriff To Open A Jail With Near-Lethal Conditions, She Hands In This Resignation Letter Instead
In a world where even the word ‘politics’ sounds dirty, an act of someone prioritizing their moral values over instant personal gain deserves respect. And that’s what we’re going to do. Pay our respects. Nowata County’s sheriff and undersheriff, as well as half of their deputies have resigned over pressure to reopen a hazardous jail.
Image credits: newson6
On Monday, Sheriff Terry Barnett publicly announced the resignations during a news conference. Detailing multiple unresolved problems at the lockup, she expressed her concerns over carbon monoxide leaks and exposed electrical wires at the facility.
According to Barnett and Undersheriff Mark Kirschner, they quit because Nowata County Associate District Judge Carl Gibson pressured them to reopen the jail nearly three weeks after inmates were evacuated from it. After the safety issues emerged Feb. 28, the county’s 14 detainees were transferred to the Washington County jail in Bartlesville, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Tulsa.
“I believe in doing the right thing, and I am not going to stand down from doing the right thing,” Barnett said. “I will not sweep these things under the carpet.” Barnett was elected sheriff in November 2018 after her predecessor, Kenny Freeman, was arrested on embezzlement charges.
Barnett claimed that Gibson offered to increase her salary to $75,000 if the inmates were returned to county jail despite the issues. “I do feel like he tried to bribe me last Thursday,” she told San Francisco Chronicle, adding that her salary as an elected official is set by law. “I looked straight at the judge and asked him, ‘Are you compromising my integrity?’ The judge never responded. I also stated directly to him I feel that Nowata County is an extremely corrupt county.”
Image credits: kjrh
Kirschner also spoke about Gibson’s intimidation techniques. “I came in here, was ordered up here by the judge, and he basically said if I don’t get prisoners back over here, I would be in contempt and go to jail, and this job is not worth me going to jail. I have a family to take care of,” he said.
RELATED:
The online community had a lot to say about the situation
What do you think ?
Karen Klinck 5 years ago
This is someone who takes her office seriously. She's attempting to curb crime, not encourage it.
Load More Replies...
Wil Vanderheijden 5 years ago
The point being that dogs have higher moral standards than a lot of judges and politicians.
Load More Replies...
Max L. 5 years ago
Fine. The judge may be facing jail ? I have an idea of an available location not to mix him with ordinary inmates.
Michèle Gyselinck 5 years ago
GREAT idea. Maybe he'd stop giving ridiculous orders if he had to live in those conditions, although if he has to go to prison for corruption he won't be able to give anymore stupid orders.
Load More Replies... Karen Klinck 5 years ago
This is someone who takes her office seriously. She's attempting to curb crime, not encourage it.
Load More Replies... Wil Vanderheijden 5 years ago
The point being that dogs have higher moral standards than a lot of judges and politicians.
Load More Replies... Max L. 5 years ago
Fine. The judge may be facing jail ? I have an idea of an available location not to mix him with ordinary inmates.
Michèle Gyselinck 5 years ago
GREAT idea. Maybe he'd stop giving ridiculous orders if he had to live in those conditions, although if he has to go to prison for corruption he won't be able to give anymore stupid orders.
Load More Replies...
Related on Bored Panda
254
62