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A city manager charged with embezzlement in two Oklahoma cities continues to oversee hundreds of thousands in taxpayer funds in Pawhuska, raising questions about oversight and accountability in local government. Jerry Eubanks faces felony charges for allegedly stealing from Fairview and Blackwell, yet Pawhuska officials have kept him in his position for months.
The Missing $449,000
Records requests reveal that the Pawhuska Public Works Authority approved $449,000 in expenditures without proper documentation. When journalist Ron Durbin visited City Hall to request records showing where the money went, staff appeared unprepared despite previous requests for the same information.
The funds were approved at a board meeting with no clear indication of their purpose on the agenda. City employees acknowledged that approximately $25,000 likely went to Eubanks himself, transferred from the city council when they lacked budget authorization.
Previous Charges Surface
Eubanks's troubles extend beyond Pawhuska's borders. Court records show he faces felony embezzlement charges in both Fairview and Blackwell for allegedly stealing from those municipalities while serving in similar positions. The pattern of alleged misconduct raises serious questions about due diligence in hiring practices.
A Fairview police report details a missing skid steer worth approximately $155,000 that allegedly disappeared during Eubanks's tenure. The equipment reportedly sits on property owned by Eubanks in Osage County, potentially constituting knowingly concealing stolen property under Oklahoma law.
Constitutional Remedies Explored
Frustrated by apparent inaction from local officials, Durbin took his concerns directly to District Judge Tate at the Osage County Courthouse. Under Oklahoma law, a district judge has constitutional authority to convene a grand jury independently, without requiring petition signatures or prosecutorial approval.
The meeting was brief but cordial. Judge Tate's staff took contact information and indicated they would follow up, though no immediate action was promised. Oklahoma's constitution provides multiple pathways for grand jury formation, including citizen petitions requiring 2,520 signatures based on Osage County's voter turnout.
Technology Troubles End Investigation
The day's investigation took an unexpected turn when equipment failures prevented drone documentation of the allegedly stolen machinery. Missing cables and compatibility issues between devices derailed plans to capture aerial footage of Eubanks's property where the skid steer reportedly sits.
The technical difficulties highlight the challenges facing independent journalists working with limited resources to investigate local corruption. Despite the setbacks, evidence continues mounting about questionable financial practices and potential criminal activity.
Questions Left Unanswered
What happened to the missing documentation for nearly half a million dollars in public spending? Why does an allegedly stolen skid steer sit undisturbed on private property months after being reported? How long will Pawhuska officials allow this situation to continue without action?
The complete investigation, including confrontations with city officials and courthouse visits, reveals the full scope of this developing story.
