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A routine records request in Oilton, Oklahoma turned into a heated confrontation when the town's mayor, who has a criminal conviction for embezzling from the very city he now leads, attempted to intimidate journalists investigating ongoing corruption allegations.
The Mayor Who Shouldn't Be Mayor
Patrick Kennedy pleaded guilty to embezzling from Oilton years ago, accepting a deferred sentence that allowed the case to be dismissed after completing probation. However, Oklahoma state law prohibits anyone convicted of embezzlement from holding public office for 15 years following their conviction. That time period has not yet elapsed, yet Kennedy continues serving as mayor.
The legal issue becomes more troubling when considering Kennedy won his mayoral race with only 102 total votes cast in the entire election. Local residents have been calling for his removal, claiming he continues to submit questionable reimbursement requests to the city.
A Lie From the Start
When journalists arrived at Oilton City Hall to file open records requests, Kennedy was present but initially denied being the mayor. "I'm just a guy that hangs out making sure they're doing okay," he told reporter Sean Buckner. Only when pressed did Kennedy admit his true identity, after claiming he wasn't who the journalists thought he was.
The deception set the tone for what would become an increasingly tense encounter as Kennedy grew agitated by questions about his criminal past and current conduct in office.
The Confrontation Escalates
Kennedy's demeanor shifted dramatically when journalists began asking about his embezzlement conviction and current financial practices as mayor. He repeatedly denied stealing money despite his guilty plea being a matter of public record. When asked how much he had embezzled, Kennedy deflected and became increasingly hostile.
The situation reached a breaking point when Kennedy approached one of the journalists' spouses in what witnesses described as an intimidating manner. The move prompted the lead journalist to intervene, leading to a tense standoff where Kennedy appeared to challenge the reporter to a physical confrontation.
Questions That Demand Answers
The incident raises serious questions about accountability in small-town government. How does someone with a criminal conviction for embezzling from a city end up as that same city's mayor? Why hasn't the state enforced its own laws regarding convicted felons holding office? And what oversight exists to prevent ongoing financial misconduct?
Kennedy's behavior during the confrontation, including his initial deception about his identity and his aggressive approach toward the journalists, suggests someone with something to hide. His refusal to discuss his criminal conviction or current practices only deepens suspicions about what's happening with Oilton's finances.
The Investigation Continues
The reporters successfully filed their open records requests despite Kennedy's interference, though he made clear he would be involved in supervising what documents get released. They've announced plans to take their findings to Creek County District Attorney Max Cook, seeking legal action to remove Kennedy from office.
What those records will reveal, whether the district attorney will act, and how this confrontation will affect Kennedy's grip on power remains to be seen. But the footage of this encounter raises uncomfortable questions about what happens when accountability comes to small towns where everyone knows everyone.
Watch the full confrontation and see exactly how an embezzling mayor responds when journalists start asking the right questions.
