GOSS OPTS OUT

Cherokee County Sheriff Delena Goss said this week she will not work with
Richard Gray's drug enforcement task force because of his decision to
install Vyrl Keeter as head of the drug enforcement unit. The sheriff said
part of her problem with Keeter stems from public controversy surrounding
him. Statewide media reports cited thousands of dollars in questioned
travel claims, which forced him to resign from U.S. Congressman Brad
Carson's staff and the Oklahoma Wildlife Commission. Gray stands behind the
decision to have Keeter lead the unit. Goss said she learned of Gray's move
last Friday at a briefing prior to a raid in Cherokee County. She and
members of her staff walked away and refused to take part in the service of
the search warrant, and the raid was called off. "He [Keeter] has no
history in law enforcement," Goss said. "I think his involvement
compromises the safety of my officers." She said safety is a key when
serving drug search warrants. Keeter has refused to comment about the
questioned travel claims, saying they are "in the past." Gray has also said
he has no problem with Keeter or the travel claim issue. The task force has
worked with local departments, state and federal agencies in each of the
four counties.

Goss and her office has been involved in task force operations since she
took office in 1997. "We'll do our own drug investigations," she said.

Keeter accused Goss of taking "cheap shots" at him. Gray said he believes
Keeter is the right man for the post, and noted the former school
administrator started Muskogee's first drug awareness program.

He also questioned whether Goss' decision was politically motivated because
of her friendship with his predecessor, Dianne Barker-Harrold. Gray
defeated Barker-Harrold in last August's primary election. Gray said he did
not want to make Goss mad, but that he was not afraid of her. He said he
believes Goss is trying to undermine him, but "it will not work." Goss said
that in the past, all the agencies worked together in the task force, but
she does not intend to work with the organization as long as Keeter is
involved in its operation.

She also pointed out Keeter's association with local bail bond agent Renee
Allcorn. Gray said he has no problem with that, either, adding that Keeter
and Allcorn have worked together on political campaigns, including Gray's
own campaign. But Goss said the relationship with Allcorn brings up
confidentiality questions. Gray said he doesn't need a "door-kicker" to
lead the task force.

He added he and Keeter will decide whether investigations are justified.