A group of parents in Oklahoma is pressing for a grand jury investigation into a former district attorney, accusing her of failing to protect children, including some who were in the state's care. The push has reignited long-running frustrations in Payne County, where families say their concerns have gone unanswered for years.
At the center of the effort is now-retired Payne and Logan County District Attorney Laura Thomas. The parents want a grand jury to examine her record, arguing that the issues they have raised are serious enough to warrant formal scrutiny rather than being quietly set aside as they say has happened in the past.
The campaign is being driven by a group calling itself Parents for Payne County. According to the group, the retired district attorney abused her power and failed to investigate abuse and crimes against children in the county. Among the specific concerns they cite is the handling of a rape case involving Jesse Butler, which they point to as an example of the failures they want examined.
This is not the first time parents have tried to convene a grand jury in Payne County. Previous attempts fell short, but the organizers say this year is different, telling reporters that they believe they have finally gathered the level of support needed to move the request forward, after repeated efforts in the past came up against the same hurdles.
For parents like Carrie Morris, the petition is only the beginning. She described the cases that have come to light so far as just the tip of the iceberg, expressing a determination to see real change in how allegations of abuse and crimes against children are handled in the county going forward.
The request now puts the spotlight on the county's justice system and on the incoming district attorney, who has been asked to respond to the call for an inquiry. How the new prosecutor handles the petition could shape whether the grand jury the parents are seeking ultimately moves ahead, and how the county addresses the concerns they have raised.