Mike Burgess

Former Oklahoma Sheriff Michael Burgess was sentenced to 79 years in prison on March 24, 2009. In January 2009 Burgess was convicted of 13 counts including charges of rape, forcible sodomy and kidnapping. Burgess used his position in law enforcement to earn sexual favors from female employees, court staffers and prisoners.KTUL: Former Sheriff Sentenced to 79 Years in Prison (March 24, 2009)

Burgess resigned as sheriff shortly before the charges were filed in April of 2008.KOCO Oklahoma City: Police: Okla. Sheriff Ran Sex-Slave Operation From Jail (April 17, 2008)

Burgess was arrested in April of 2008. The arrest concluded a year-long investigation into Burgess' conduct, beginning in 2007 when an unnamed woman alleged Burgess had threatened her with jail time if she did not have sex with him. Former prisoners made further allegations, including stories about Burgess asking them to remove their clothes or forcing them to engage in wet T-shirt contests.KOCO Oklahoma City: Police: Okla. Sheriff Ran Sex-Slave Operation From Jail (April 17, 2008)

Burgess' pre-trial hearing began on August 12, 2008. A female sheriff deputy, Jennifer Tyler, testified that Burgess had inappropriate conduct with women in the county's court program and claimed she was inappropriately touched by Burgess.The Associated Press: Deputy Alleges Groping in Okla. Sheriff's Sex Case (August 13, 2008)