Jeremiah Gregory sworn in as district attorney for Logan and Payne counties

Jeremiah Gregory was officially sworn in Friday as the new District Attorney for Oklahoma’s Judicial District 9, taking office with a pledge to restore public trust through transparency, accountability, and a strong commitment to justice.

The swearing-in ceremony was held inside the Payne County Courthouse in Stillwater, where Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Robert L. Hudson administered the oath of office. Hudson previously served as District 9 District Attorney for 15 years.

Gregory succeeds Laura Austin Thomas, who served as District Attorney since 2014 before announcing her retirement earlier this year in April. Gregory ran unopposed after filing for the position and will also begin a full four-year elected term in January 2027.

Incoming District Judge Katherine Thomas presided over the ceremony and introduced Gregory, highlighting his diverse background that includes military service, education, law, and agriculture.

Gregory grew up near Morris on his family’s farm before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He served multiple deployments to the Middle East during Operation Enduring Freedom, specializing in military intelligence and technology.

Following his military service, Gregory earned degrees from Oklahoma State University, Kansas State University, and the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Before becoming an attorney, he taught junior high and high school courses in economics, government, history, geography, business, and accounting.

After graduating from law school, Gregory returned to District 9 as an assistant district attorney, where he prosecuted felony drug, property, and white-collar crime cases while also serving as a civil attorney. Most recently, he spent the past six years in private practice in Stillwater.

Gregory, 41, and his wife, Alicia, a veterinarian, live in Stillwater with their two daughters, Scarlett and Aurora. He also operates a commercial Angus cow-calf operation in Payne County.

In his first public statement as district attorney, Gregory said rebuilding confidence in the local justice system will be his administration’s top priority.

“You have my pledge that I will do everything in my power to ensure transparency, accountability, and the protection of our sacred constitutional rights,” Gregory said. “I will measure success in this office by the level of your trust and respect that I am able to earn.”

Gregory announced his office will begin issuing frequent press releases and, when appropriate, holding press conferences to keep the public informed about criminal cases, trial verdicts, crime prevention initiatives, local justice system investigations, proposed legislation, and other matters affecting Logan and Payne counties.

Among the initiatives Gregory said he plans to pursue are the creation of a Special Victims Unit, a crime task force, an electronic open records request system, and legislation that would allow cameras in Oklahoma courtrooms.

Gregory also acknowledged making staffing changes within the District Attorney’s Office, saying personnel decisions had already been made that he believes are in the best interests of the public and the justice system. He said additional personnel announcements will be made in the coming days.

Addressing violent crime, Gregory said his office will aggressively prosecute offenses committed against innocent victims.

“Violent crimes against innocent human beings in my jurisdiction will NOT be tolerated,” Gregory said. “Committing a violent crime in my jurisdiction, especially against women and children, will result in the harshest punishment that my office can achieve under the law.”

Gregory concluded by saying restoring public confidence in the justice system will remain his primary mission.

“I am well aware that a cloud of mistrust and suspicion has descended over the justice system in our jurisdiction,” Gregory said. “My primary mission at the onset of my administration is to restore the public’s trust in this office and our local justice system — and I will not rest until that is accomplished.”