A former Logan County commissioner will avoid jail time upon good behavior after pleading guilty to embezzlement on Friday morning inside a county courtroom.
Kody Ellis, former District 2 Commissioner, entered a plea deal with the State’s Attorney General’s Office which prosecuted the case after the Logan County District Attorney’s Office recused themselves from the case.
Following an investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations (OSBI), an arrest warrant was issued in March 2023 as part of an investigation of misused public money by fueling his personal vehicle with gasoline at the county barn between July 1, 2021, through July 31, 2022.
Guthrie News Page first reported the investigation on Feb. 10. Related article: Logan County Commissioner target of OSBI investigation; AG Office’s now reviewing case
Less than three weeks later, Ellis announced he would resign from his seat and did on Feb. 28. Related Article: County Commissioner under investigation announces impending resignation
Later, Guthrie News Page obtained additional investigation details. Related article: Former Logan County Commissioner indicted; arrest warrant issued
As part of the plea deal, Ellis agreed to a five-year deferred sentence meaning no jail time. Ellis faced a term not less than one year nor more than ten years.
According to court records, he was forced to pay restitution in the amount of $1,304.94, which has been paid in full.
Ellis is also forced to pay a fine and court costs which equals $2,390.16.
The final order of the plea deal states Ellis cannot hold office during his five-year probation period.
Guthrie News Page learned it was requested that Ellis be forced to pay restitution to the county that held a special election to fill the vacant seat. However, the request did not meet the criteria in this case.
The estimated cost of the election was $6,000.
After Gov. Stitt called for the special election, Charlie Meadows won the election in a three-person race. Related Article: Governor calls for Special Election following County Commissioner resignation
Related Article: Three candidates file to run for District 2 County Commissioner
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