Attorney Confirms Rowland's Indictment

Kevin Rowland, the former chief investigator for the Oklahoma medical examiner's office, has been indicted on four counts of sexual battery, his attorney says.

A judge in Tulsa County Thursday unsealed the indictment against Rowland but did not disclose any details of the document, saying that would have to wait for Rowland's imminent arrest.

Rowland's attorney, Scott Adams, confirmed the counts in the indictment.

Rowland surrendered late in the morning and was released on bail.

Rowland resigned as chief investigator in March amid allegations of sexual harassment.

A multi-county grand jury report accused him of sexually harassing female co-workers and being abusive. It said two women filed grievances that disappeared from official files.

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World: Edmondson Wants Audit Of ME's Office

By Mick Hinton, Tulsa World ~ Attorney General Drew Edmondson has requested an investigative audit of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, officials confirmed Friday.

A letter dated Thursday seeking the audit stated that the attorney general had received a complaint and conducted an interview, concluding “that an investigative audit should be conducted.”

”Because this involves an investigation which could result in criminal charges being filed, this audit and its results are to be kept confidential until the investigation has been completed,” states the letter written by Edmondson’s first assistant, Tom Gruber.

Rep. Lucky Lamons, D-Tulsa, said Friday he had received information he felt could be of a criminal nature and “went straight to the attorney general.”

Questions have been raised about the management of Chief Medical Examiner Jeffery Gofton and his assistant, Kevin Rowland.

Lamons and other Tulsa area lawmakers have been concerned after Gofton said he intended to halt autopsies being performed at the Tulsa office, which concerned local law enforcement and the Tulsa County district attorney’s office. Gofton backed away from his plan after complaints from law enforcement, lawmakers and others.

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ME's Office Gets '08 Funding Commitment

Legislative leaders today announced a supplemental funding commitment for the Medical Examiner's Office. The legislative leaders announced a $980,600 funding commitment to be passed by the beginning of March, 2008 after the Legislature convenes for its regular session. At the same time, House Speaker Lance Cargill said he wants to know why the office didn't make the problem known until after the Legislature adourned this year.

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