Former Okarche Police Chief Arrested On Felony Forgery Charge
- mike33692
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Former Okarche Police Chief Arrested On Felony Forgery Charge
A former Okarche Police Chief has been arrested after the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation alleged he improperly used another officer's signature and notary stamp during a city audit while serving as the town's top law enforcement official.
Forrest Smith, who served as Okarche's police chief from 2018 through 2024 and now serves as Pawhuska Police Chief, turned himself in Thursday at the Canadian County Detention Center after being charged with one felony count of Impersonating Another in Execution of an Instrument. Investigators allege the offense occurred during an April 2024 audit conducted for the City of Okarche.
Former Okarche Police Chief Faces Felony Charge
According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Canadian County District Attorney's Office requested the investigation in February 2025 after allegations surfaced involving a document submitted during a private financial audit.
Investigators allege Smith signed an affidavit stating he had complied with the audit process while using the signature and official notary stamp belonging to another Okarche police supervisor.
Court records state the supervisor was home sick on the day the affidavit was completed and did not personally notarize the document.
The investigation resulted in a felony charge of Impersonating Another in Execution of an Instrument, which was formally filed in Canadian County District Court.
Smith surrendered to authorities on July 30 and later posted a $5,000 bond before being released.
Investigation Centers On Audit Affidavit
According to investigators, the affidavit was submitted as part of an April 2024 audit conducted by a private accounting firm hired by the City of Okarche.
Court documents indicate Smith later sent the supervisor a text message stating, "Just an FYI, I notarized something of mine using your notary and signature. Hope you don't mind."
The supervisor reportedly responded, "Not at all."
Despite that exchange, investigators concluded the notary stamp and signature were used without the legal authority required under Oklahoma law.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation completed its investigation before presenting the findings to prosecutors, who filed the felony charge in Canadian County.
Case Now Moves Through Oklahoma Courts
Smith has denied any criminal wrongdoing.
An arrest and criminal charge are allegations, and Smith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The case will now proceed through Canadian County District Court, where prosecutors will have the opportunity to present evidence supporting the charge.
The investigation has drawn attention because it involves two Oklahoma law enforcement agencies and a current police chief accused of misconduct tied to his previous position in Okarche. While the allegations stem from a city audit completed more than two years ago, the outcome of the criminal case could have implications for Smith's future in law enforcement if prosecutors secure a conviction.
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