Future of the Oklahoma County Jail still in limbo as trust searches for new CEO
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma County Jail Trust members have two weeks to decide the future of the Oklahoma County Jail and who will be the new CEO for the facility.
The decision is still pending after outgoing CEO Brandi Garner announced her resignation a few weeks ago, after being in the position for almost two years.
"Truly, what I said in my letter, I've got to focus on my family," Garner told News 4 at a previous trust meeting,
In Garner's resignation letter, she said her decision was not made lightly.
Now, community advocates are left wondering the fate of the detention center and its new leadership.
"So now we're getting worse. Your CEO has resigned, you have no COO," said Mark Faulk.
In Friday's meeting, we thought there'd be answers in regard to who would replace Garner permanently or temporarily. Chairman Joe Allbaugh could not interview on camera but says they are still figuring things out.
The jail has been in ongoing controversy with the amount of inmates dying in the facility and refusing inspections from the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
In 2025, there have been two inmate deaths, with more than 50 deaths since the trust took over in 2020.
According to the OCDC, 42-year-old inmate Vincent Burke was found needing medical attention in his cell and later died on Jan. 8.
Then 37-year-old Vincent Riggie was found dead on Jan 18. The cause of his death is still under investigation.
Sara Bana, current Councilmember for the City of Midwest City, used to work with CEO Brandi Garner.
"How many CEOs does it take before you come to the reasonable, logical and pragmatic conclusion that this jail trust has been the biggest scam of this county?," Bana said.
Former Chaplain of the jail, Deacon Roy Forsythe also voiced his concerns.
"I got to witness a lot of how the the jail was run, the cleanliness, seeing inmates with bedbug bites all over their bodies. And I hope that's been improved," Forsythe said.
Garner's resignation is set to take effect on February 7.
We will keep you updated on the search efforts to fill her position.