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A corrupt city manager just pulled off one of the most brazen schemes in Oklahoma government history. Jerry Eubanks, the convicted felon serving as Pawhuska's city manager, walked out of Kay County court with a sweetheart plea deal after using taxpayer money to pay his criminal restitution.
The Deal That Shocked Everyone
Kay County District Attorney Brian Hermanson handed Jerry Eubanks a gift-wrapped sentence: five years deferred probation for embezzling from Blackwell and Fairview, Oklahoma. Even better for Eubanks, his wife's conspiracy charges were dismissed entirely. She faces zero accountability for helping her husband steal public property.
The restitution? A mere $33,000. But here's where it gets truly outrageous.
Pawhuska Taxpayers Foot the Bill
Just days before his hearing, the Pawhuska City Council voted to give Eubanks a $25,000 "bonus." City council member Susan Bayro, who's running for re-election, supported handing taxpayer money directly to a man facing felony theft charges.
Eubanks walked into court with a cashier's check. Twenty-five thousand dollars of Pawhuska money went straight to Blackwell, Oklahoma as restitution for property their city manager stole. The citizens of Pawhuska just paid for their own city manager's crimes.
A Career Criminal's Pattern
This isn't Eubanks' first rodeo. Court documents reveal a history of similar schemes across multiple Oklahoma cities. He's perfected the art of moving from town to town, stealing what he can, then landing another government job before the charges catch up.
The conspiracy involved forging signatures to purchase equipment including a Lamar trailer and generator worth nearly $30,000. When investigators started asking questions, Eubanks had already moved on to his next victim: the taxpayers of Pawhuska.
The Great Escape
As reporters waited outside the Kay County courthouse, something strange happened. Jerry Eubanks somehow entered the building without being seen. Court officials couldn't explain how he bypassed the main entrance where journalists had positioned themselves since 11 AM.
When the hearing ended, the truth became clear. Eubanks had received special treatment, avoiding accountability even on his way to avoid accountability. But his luck ran out when he tried to leave.
What Happens Next
The story doesn't end with this sweetheart deal. Eubanks remains under investigation in Osage County, where evidence suggests he's concealing stolen property. That skid steer sitting at his Pawhuska address? It might just violate the terms of his brand new probation agreement.
Any new charges would trigger the deferred sentence he just received. Five years of freedom could evaporate with one more criminal count. The question is whether Oklahoma prosecutors will connect the dots, or if they'll let this career criminal continue his taxpayer-funded crime spree.
Watch the full confrontation as Jerry Eubanks flees reporters and see the moment his wife flips off the cameras in the complete video below.
