Simpson’s resignation accepted by Cotton County Commissioners

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A petition to remove Kent Simpson from his position as Cotton County Sheriff was dismissed after he tendered his resignation.

The petition was dismissed by the Cotton County District Court “without prejudice,” meaning it can be renewed at any time.

The Cotton County Board of Commissioners accepted Simpson’s letter of resignation on Sept. 16. The board of commissioners also approved going into a settlement agreement with him and to have the case dismissed.

Simpson, 59, was accused of willfully and habitually, “with bad or evil purpose,” neglecting duties, according to the petition for removal.

Acting sheriff named Tim King, who has served as the interim sheriff since Simpson’s June 10 suspension from his post, was appointed the acting sheriff for the remainder of Simpson’s term which ends next year.

The Sept. 20 filing of a misdemeanor charge against Simpson means he continues to face allegations stemming from his time on the job.

He is accused of exceeding his authority in executing a search warrant in March 2019 that led to the death of Michael Cooper, 55. The crime is punishable by up to 1 year in prison.

The charge was filed by Stephens County District Attorney Jason Hicks’ office. His office was picked by the state Attorney General’s office to handle the case after a multi-county grand jury in Oklahoma City made its indictment.

The case remains in the Cotton County court. Records indicate that Associate District Judge Michael C. Flanagan and District Judge Emmit Tayloe have recused themselves from hearing the case.

Simpson is accused of executing a search warrant shortly after midnight, the morning of March 10, 2018, in violation of when a search warrant may be served, the charge states. To execute a search warrant between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., law enforcement is supposed to receive a judge’s permission.

The Oklahoma Statue Bureau of Investigations took over the investigation for excessive force and its findings handled by the grand jury, who chose to indict Simpson under seal for the current charge.

If found guilty, Simpson could be forced to relinquish his CLEET Certification that allows him to work in law enforcement.

Written by Scott Rains: srains@swoknews.com.