The OSBI investigation into the actions of a Watonga Police officer on the morning of July 4 was completed last week and sent to the office of Blaine County Assistant District Attorney Jenna Brown.
Brown kicked the hotpotato case to her superiors in the Canadian County office, where DA Tommy Humphries presides.
A statement this afternoon from the first assistant in Humphries’ office read: After review, our office is not filing any criminal charges related to the investigation of Mr. Goodwin’s conduct during the early morning hours of July 4, 2024. Our office was solely tasked with determining whether any of Mr. Goodwin’s conduct in this matter was criminal in nature. Our declination of charges speaks only to our assessment of potential criminal liability under Oklahoma law. The question of whether any disciplinary or civil action should be taken is not for the consideration of our office.
That said, the question of whether Goodwin will face discipline from his employer, the City of Watonga, rests squarely on City Hall.
Beyond that, Goodwin and the city could each and/or both be on the receiving end of civil action – in effect, one or more lawsuits. Currently Goodwin is on paid administrative leave from the police department.