Coweta City Leaders Under Investigation

Police Chief Mike Bell

Coweta city leaders under investigation after Project Atlas fallout

A major Coweta city leaders investigation is now underway after months of public outrage tied to the controversial Project Atlas data center proposal.

The Coweta City Council voted Monday night to authorize a criminal and administrative review into the conduct of city officials, including council members and City Manager Julie Casteen.

Residents packed meetings for months demanding answers about secrecy, transparency, and the handling of the now-abandoned project.

Coweta city leaders investigation targets transparency and conduct

The new Coweta city leaders investigation directs Police Chief Mike Bell to examine multiple allegations involving city government.

Among the issues under review are:

• Possible violations of Oklahoma real estate laws

• Use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)

• Potential Open Records Act violations

• Allegations of bribery or unlawful compensation

• Claims involving the misuse of public funds

The investigation will also examine whether actions by city officials damaged public trust or brought discredit to the city.

Government transparency requirements in Oklahoma are governed by the Oklahoma Open Records Act.

Public frustration exploded over secrecy concerns

The Coweta city leaders investigation follows intense backlash from residents who said they were kept in the dark about Project Atlas.

Public anger grew after citizens learned an NDA connected to the proposed data center developer had reportedly been signed roughly 17 months before the public became aware of the project.

Tensions escalated further after leaked text messages allegedly showed city officials criticizing residents protesting the proposal.

For many residents, the controversy shifted from opposition to the data center itself to broader concerns about trust in local government.

OSBI already reviewing Open Records concerns

The Coweta city leaders investigation comes as the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation was already reviewing concerns connected to the project.

Reports indicate the OSBI had been looking into possible Open Records Act issues tied to the city’s handling of information surrounding Project Atlas.

An allegation involving harassment of minor children was initially included in the review but was later removed at the request of Vice Mayor Jeremy Barnett to be handled privately.

Police chief expected to outline next steps

The Coweta city leaders investigation is expected to remain a major issue in the community moving forward.

Police Chief Mike Bell is scheduled to hold a press conference Wednesday to explain how the investigation will proceed and what the next phase of the review will involve.

Residents say they now want accountability and transparency restored inside city government.

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