INVESTIGATION: Coweta Police Chief Bell to investigate councilors, city manager
May 04, 2026
Coweta Police Chief Mike Bell is beginning an investigation into each of the Coweta city councilors and City Manager Julie Casteen.Since leaders released plans for a data center in Coweta that were later scrapped, a vocal group
of citizens started speaking out against the council and Casteen.WATCH: INVESTIGATION: Coweta police chief Bell will investigate councilors, city manager: INVESTIGATION: Coweta police chief Bell will investigate councilors, city managerDuring the councils May 4 meeting, neighbors like Jimmy Rothrock questioned leaders' responsiveness to emails.Is this just an honor system, like yall can respond if you want to, or ignore us if you choose? Rothrock asked.If I didnt answer at my job I know this is only a part-time job to you however, I probably wouldnt have a job, another neighbor added.During the April 6 council meeting, several citizens called for Casteen's firing.Those citizens accused Casteen of acting in bad faith, particularly regarding the data center.During the May 4 meeting, the council authorized Bell to begin a formal investigation into the council and Cateen. The council outlined its expectations for Bell in a letter.Ive had no citizens come into the police department to report a crime. I need somebody to come in and do that. Well, [this letter] is my way of fixing that, Bell said.Bell is investigating five allegations related to each of the councilors and the city manager. Real estate activities and licensing compliance. The use of non-disclosure agreements and open records compliance. Bribery and/or illegal transactions. Misappropriating public funds. Conduct that could discredit the city.Councilors struck one aspect of the investigation: possible harassment of minor children, at the request of Vice Mayor Jeremy Barnett.I would rather to initiate that investigation as dad or husband, not as a member of this, Barnett said.The council directed Bell to provide periodic updates to the investigation and write a formal report at the end. He will then recommend any further action, if needed.Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere -- 2 News Oklahoma on your schedule | Download on your TV, watch for free. How to watch on your streaming device Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Watch LIVE 24/7 on YouTube
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