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Judge Flanagan -
Kent Simpson
Associate District Judge Michael C. Flanagan denied requests by the suspended Cotton County sheriff for requests that his legal fees be paid by the county, a request to disqualify the District Attorney’s Office in trying his case and to delay his impending trial regarding permanent removal from office.
Flanagan issued his order Monday in Cotton County District Court.
The Cotton County Board of Commissioners filed a petition June 10 to seek Kent Simpson’s removal from office for accusations of willfully and habitually, “with bad or evil purpose,” neglecting duties.
Flanagan denied Simpsons request for a continuance on the grounds that currently, “taxpayers are paying two sheriffs.” Following his suspension from duty, interim Sheriff Tim King has served in the position.
The jury trial was set for the October trial docket following a dispositional hearing on Aug. 15. Slated to begin Oct. 1, Flanagan wrote in his order that the trial may be held in late-October or early November.
Assistant District Attorney Taren Lord-Halverson is serving as attorney representing the Cotton County Commissioners. Michael D. Denton Jr., of Mustang, is representing the sheriff’s office and Austin C. Walters, of Mustang, is representing Simpson.
At this time, no criminal charges have been filed against Simpson.
Records indicate that a pretrial conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sept. 12.