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A routine request for public records in Wagoner, Oklahoma has uncovered what could be a systematic pattern of document destruction by Mayor Dalton Self. What started with one crumpled signup sheet thrown in a trash can during a city council meeting has escalated into a criminal investigation with potential felony charges.
The incident began when citizens attempted to sign up to speak at a public meeting, only to watch Mayor Self take their signup sheet, wad it up, and toss it in the garbage. That single act of defiance has now triggered a police investigation that could result in Self's removal from office.
The Criminal Investigation Unfolds
Wagoner Police Department confirmed they are actively investigating the mayor for destruction of government records. Officers have interviewed witnesses and are preparing to forward their findings to the district attorney's office. The investigation centers on multiple Oklahoma statutes that make destroying public records a felony offense.
Under Oklahoma law, destruction of government records by a public official carries severe penalties, including potential imprisonment and mandatory removal from office. The charges aren't limited to the visible incident at the meeting, but extend to a broader pattern of document destruction that may have been ongoing for months.
The Records Request That Changed Everything
A formal records request filed this week sought all citizen signup sheets from public meetings dating back to January 2024. The request was designed to determine whether the mayor's document destruction was an isolated incident or part of a systematic practice of discarding public records.
City clerk Rhonda processed the request professionally, stamping it with an official received date. Her cooperation stood in stark contrast to the mayor's previous behavior, highlighting the difference between proper public service and the alleged misconduct under investigation.
The records request also sought meeting agendas and body camera footage related to the original incident, creating a comprehensive paper trail that investigators can follow.
A Pattern of Missing Documents
If the requested signup sheets cannot be produced, each missing document represents a separate misdemeanor offense under the Oklahoma Open Records Act. With monthly meetings spanning over a year, the potential charges could quickly multiply into dozens of violations.
The investigation has revealed that signup sheets for public speakers may have been routinely discarded after meetings, treating these government records as disposable paperwork rather than the legal documents they actually represent.
What the Video Reveals
The full investigation unfolds in real time as reporters document each step of the records request process and police follow-up. Police officers confirmed they are conducting a thorough investigation and have already interviewed multiple witnesses to the original incident.
The contrast between professional law enforcement conduct and the mayor's alleged behavior becomes stark as the investigation progresses. Officers demonstrated exactly how public officials should handle citizen interactions, while the mayor's actions represent the opposite approach.
Watch the complete investigation unfold and see what police discovered when they reviewed the witness statements.
