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Kent Simpson -
Tim King
Kent Simpson who was suspended June 10, 2019, and was facing accusations that he “knowingly, willfully and unlawfully commit misconduct in office” turned in his letter of resignation to the Board of County Commissioners.
The Board of Commissioners and Simpson agreed that Simpson would deliver a letter of resignation by September 11, 2019. Counsel for the Board presented the resignation letter and this Agreement to the Board at the meeting on Monday, September 16, 2019. In this agreement Simpson further agrees to never run for an elected office in Cotton County, State of Oklahoma. The Board, upon receipt of Simpson’s resignation letter and execution of the Agreement will dismiss its removal action, without prejudice.
The Office of the District Attorney for Comanche and Cotton Counties agrees that it will not criminally prosecute Simpson for the allegations alleged in the “Petition and Amended Petition”, matters already referred out by the District Attorney’s office are not addressed or covered by this Agreement.
The Parties acknowledge that they have entered into this agreement for their mutual benefit in good faith and that the terms of this Agreement will be complied with in good faith and reasonableness. The Parties also understand and agree that in the event any provision of thisAgreement is deemed to be invalid or unenforceable by any court or administrative agency of competent jurisdiction, this Agreement shall be deemed to be restricted in scope or otherwise modified to the extent necessary to render the same valid and enforceable, or, in the event that any provision of this Agreement cannot be modified or restricted so as to be valid and enforceable, then the same shall be deemed excised from this Agreement if circumstances so require, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such provision had originally been incorporated therein as so restricted or modified, or as if such provision had not originally been contained therein, as the case may be.
This Agreement does not constitute an admission by Simpson that any of his actions were wrongful, unlawful, or in violation of any duty or obligation, or of any rule of law, whether statutory or case law, any state or federal act, statute, or constitution, or any provision of any ordinance, regulation or standard and Simpson specifically denies any wrongdoing or violation of law.
Letter Kent Simpson sent to the Board of County Commissioners:
Dear Cotton County Commissioners,
Please accept this letter as my resignation from my position as Sheriff of Cotton County, effective immediately. As many know, I suffered devastating injuries as a result of an on-the-job accident in December, many of which I am still recovering from. After much thought and reflection, I feel it is best to resign and allow myself to fully heal which will also allow the County to begin making arrangements for my replacement and to prepare for the upcoming election.
It has been my great honor to serve the citizens of Cotton County as Sheriff for the past six and half years and for two decades as a reserve deputy before that. Serving as Sheriff has granted me the unique opportunity to build and develop relationships with numerous members throughout the community. I have a very deep appreciation and gratitude for the opportunities that have been afforded to me throughout my time of service.
Serving as Sheriff has been one of the most rewarding, humbling, albeit sometimes trying experiences of my life. I am grateful for the trust the citizens of the county placed in me. Additionally, I am extremely proud of the work that was accomplished by the Department during my tenure. While I believe the Department is critically underfunded, I believe that the County is in a better place than where it was when I was sworn in and that the Department will continue to keep the County and its citizens safe.
In closing, I wish to express my gratitude for all of my deputies, staff members, family, friends, supporters and the citizens of Cotton County. I wish only the best for the future of the Cotton County Sheriff’s Office. Sincerely, Kent A. Simpson.
During the meeting of County Commissioners Monday,September16,2019,after the acceptance of Simpsons resignation, Tim King officially was hired as Sheriff of Cotton County until election time.