Beggs City Council Appoints Interim Police Chief Following Department Resignations
- mike33692
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Beggs City Council Appoints Interim Police Chief Following Department Resignations
The Beggs City Council has appointed former Creek County deputy J.W. Mobley as interim police chief following the sudden resignation of three members of the Beggs Police Department, as city leaders work to stabilize the agency while an independent investigation continues.
The leadership change comes less than a week after Interim Police Chief Daniel Gilbert, Assistant Chief Bobby Tollette, and part-time officer Bobby Sappington resigned on July 29. The departures followed an ongoing third-party investigation into officer compensation connected to security work during a local video production, while also exposing broader concerns about workplace leadership and staffing inside the department.
Beggs City Council Appoints J.W. Mobley As Interim Chief
The Beggs City Council voted Tuesday to appoint J.W. Mobley as interim police chief during a special meeting focused on restoring leadership within the police department.
Mobley previously served as a deputy with the Creek County Sheriff's Office and now assumes responsibility for leading the department through one of the most significant staffing transitions in recent years.
The council also directed city staff to immediately advertise the vacant law enforcement positions and begin accepting applications to rebuild the department.
With three officers departing simultaneously, city leaders said filling those positions quickly is essential to maintaining public safety and restoring stability within the agency.
Until permanent personnel are hired, Mobley will oversee day-to-day operations while coordinating with neighboring law enforcement agencies assisting the city.
Independent Investigation Continues Despite Resignations
The leadership changes come as an independent third-party investigation remains underway into whether officers should have received compensation for providing security during a local video production.
While that investigation has not been completed, the departing officers also cited internal workplace issues when announcing their resignations.
According to statements made following their departures, the officers believed city leadership prevented the chief from disciplining another officer whom they alleged created a hostile work environment within the department.
Beggs Mayor Roger Merrill confirmed the investigation remains active and said the resignations will not affect its completion.
City officials have not announced when investigators are expected to issue their findings or whether additional personnel actions could follow.
Mutual Aid Agencies Helping Protect Beggs
As the city works to recruit new officers, neighboring agencies have stepped in to ensure police services continue without interruption.
The Okmulgee County Sheriff's Office and the Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police are providing patrol assistance while the Beggs Police Department rebuilds its staffing levels.
City leaders say the mutual aid partnerships are helping maintain emergency response capabilities while recruitment efforts continue.
The appointment of J.W. Mobley provides immediate leadership during a challenging period for the department, but the city acknowledges additional work remains ahead. Between hiring new officers, completing the independent investigation and restoring long-term stability, officials say rebuilding public confidence and strengthening the department will remain top priorities in the weeks and months ahead.