CLAREMORE, Okla. (AP) — Attorneys for an indicted Rogers County commissioner are asking a judge to dismiss efforts to remove the commissioner from office.
A multicounty grand jury indicted Commissioner Mike Helm in August for embezzlement and recommended he be removed from office. The indictment alleges Helm sold county property and did not turn the money over to the county.
Defense attorneys for Helm say in a court filing that the grand jury lacks jurisdiction to issue what is known as an accusation for removal. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the judge has banned Helm from attending Tuesday's Board of Commissioner's meeting and from taking any personnel actions or having contact with employees at work sites.