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When public officials refuse transparency, it usually means they're hiding something significant. That became crystal clear during a routine records request at the Kay County Sheriff's Department that devolved into an hour-long standoff with deputies who seemed more interested in avoiding cameras than serving the public.
The Felony Case That Started Everything
The request was simple: booking photos for Jerry Eubanks and his wife Sherry, both arrested on multiple felony charges including embezzlement, conspiracy, and forgery. Court documents reveal Jerry allegedly used his position as city manager in Fairview to purchase equipment with city funds, then sold it to another municipality and pocketed the proceeds. His wife Sherry reportedly helped orchestrate the scheme, with both caught on bank surveillance attempting to cash fraudulent checks.
What makes this case extraordinary is that Jerry Eubanks continues serving as city manager for Puska while facing these serious charges. The preliminary hearing was waived, suggesting a plea deal is in the works for the November 18th court date.
When Records Requests Meet Resistance
At the Kay County courthouse, the journalist's attempt to review the case file immediately triggered defensive behavior from clerks who seemed offended by the presence of a camera. Despite the courthouse being a public building funded by taxpayers, staff acted as if documenting their work was somehow inappropriate.
The real drama began at the sheriff's department. After submitting a standard open records request for the booking photos, deputies simply vanished. No explanation, no timeline, no communication whatsoever. When pressed for answers, they sent out a deputy who refused to identify himself and attempted to physically block access to public areas.
The Pattern of Avoidance Emerges
For over an hour, multiple deputies came and went without addressing the simple request. Phone calls from concerned citizens apparently flooded the department, yet still no response. When a deputy finally emerged, he tried to blame the jail trust authority, claiming the sheriff's department couldn't access their own booking records.
The excuse fell apart when Deputy King eventually confirmed the photos were indeed available but would require approval from administrators who were conveniently absent. This despite Oklahoma law requiring records custodians to be available during business hours.
What the Documents Actually Reveal
The case file tells a damning story. Jerry and Sherry Eubanks allegedly created fake purchase orders for equipment worth nearly $30,000, had checks made out to a company they controlled, then attempted to cash them together at a local bank. When told there weren't sufficient funds, they deposited the check anyway, creating a clear paper trail.
The couple's banking records, surveillance footage, and witness statements from multiple city employees paint a picture of brazen theft from public coffers. Yet Jerry continues making decisions that affect taxpayers in Puska.
The Questions That Remain Unanswered
Why would deputies hide from a routine records request? What did the District Attorney's office mean when they offered "no comment" on an active case involving a sitting city manager? Most importantly, how is Jerry Eubanks still employed in a position of public trust while facing multiple felonies?
The November 18th hearing may answer some questions, but the behavior of law enforcement suggests there's more to this story than what's in the court file.
Watch the full confrontation unfold and see exactly how your public servants behave when citizens demand accountability.
