Pawhuska Police Chief Lorrie Hennesy was placed on administrative leave, with pay on Thursday, Aug. 15. Another officer was suspended from duty with pay in mid-July.

 

Pawhuska City Manager Jerry Eubanks presented a memo to the city council on Tuesday stating that a risk management assesment of departments within the City of Pawhuska had been conducted. This included the Pawhuska Police Department. 

 

The assessment found that findings were identified and immediate action needed to be taken to restore the department's integrity and trust. 

 

Some of the issues that the assessment found were unsafe use of a firearm or other dangerous weapons and engaging in horseplay that could result in injury or property damage. 

 

Two incidents the memo outlines in detail include planting a firearm in Eubanks' vehicle and when an officer unholstered a firearm — placing it behind Eubanks' back on the chair. 

 

Also included in the memo was documented incidents of officers within the department engaging in inappropriate behavior by dry-firing their Tasers at their body parts. YOU CAN READ THE MEMO IN FULL HERE. 

 

A press release from the legal team representing Hennesy acknowledges that they are aware of reports stating that Hennesy has been terminated, but she, nor the legal team have received any communication from the City of Pawhuska regarding these reports.

 

In part, attorney Les Bennett Jr. had the following to say:

 

“We are extremely disappointed with the lack of professionalism, communication and transparency demonstrated by City Manager Jerry Eubanks. Among other things, Mr. Eubanks accused Chief Hennesy, a respected law enforcement officer, of mishandling weapons. However, the evidence, including photographic proof, completely refutes Mr. Eubanks' claims.”

 

The press release went on to say the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has launched a criminal probe into officials within the City of Pawhuska, something Public Information Officer for the OSBI, Hunter McKee confirmed.

 

The press release added, in part, they did not know the specific targets of the investigation within the City, but are confident Hennesy has committed no wrongdoing and will not be charged with any crimes.

 

Pawhuska City Attorney John Heskett was unavailable for comment. Osage County District Attorney Mike Fisher declined to comment.