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When government officials lock their doors and hide behind security cameras to avoid releasing public records, you know they're protecting something damaging. In Gore, Oklahoma, that something turned out to be body camera footage showing what appears to be police extortion, captured in disturbing detail.
The Video They Tried to Hide
For nearly a year, Gore city officials stonewalled requests for body camera footage from a specific incident involving local police and residents. The video, once finally obtained, shows an officer in what appears to be a pay-for-access scheme involving bicycles and $250 in cash. In the footage, voices can be heard discussing money exchanges and property access tied to bike purchases, with one voice stating "everybody hears it right now that is not extortion" while describing the very arrangement being questioned.
City Hall Goes Into Lockdown Mode
When journalists arrived to collect the long-overdue records, Gore officials chose an extraordinary response. Rather than simply handing over public documents, they locked down the entire building and began monitoring the reporters through security cameras. Mayor Robin, initially present, retreated into offices while city clerk Lisa, dubbed the "dollar store queen" by locals, refused to emerge despite being the designated records custodian.
The Double Life Discovery
The investigation revealed troubling patterns beyond the original footage. City clerk Lisa allegedly worked for multiple municipalities simultaneously, raising questions about "double dipping" from public payrolls. When confronted about time records that would prove or disprove the arrangement, officials claimed the documents weren't readily available, despite acknowledging they maintain them on-site.
When Police Had to Force Their Own Government
The situation reached an absurd climax when journalists had to call law enforcement to compel their own city government to follow state law. The responding officer found himself in the bizarre position of mediating between citizens seeking public records and officials actively hiding from transparency requirements. Even more striking, city officials initially tried directing the officer on how to handle the situation.
The Corruption Web Deepens
Court proceedings in Gore revealed another shocking conflict of interest. The same judge who handles tickets also apparently prosecutes them, creating a system where one person serves as both prosecutor and judge. When questioned about this arrangement, Mayor Robin struggled to explain how justice could be served under such circumstances. The city attorney, meanwhile, operates under a contract specifically stating he is not the prosecuting attorney, leaving a legal vacuum.
What the Body Camera Actually Shows
The footage that officials worked so hard to suppress captures conversations about $250 payments, bike transactions tied to property access, and what sounds like pay-to-play arrangements. Multiple voices reference deals being made, with property access explicitly tied to purchasing bikes from residents. The exchanges raise serious questions about whether public officials crossed legal lines while conducting city business.
Watch the full investigation to see exactly what Gore officials tried so desperately to hide, and decide for yourself whether justice was served.
