RICO Sheriffs of Oklahoma
Statewide Conspiracy and Extortion Scheme Involving more than Fifty Oklahoma Sheriffs Exposed in Federal Civil Rights Action.
Statewide Extortion Scheme EXPOSED!
"RICO" laws are often used against organized crime organizations, such as gangs, cartels, and the Mafia. Â
The federal lawsuit alleges that all of these Sheriffs either conspired or participated in an extortion scheme meant to deprive Oklahomans of their due process rights while generating a profit on behalf of The Sheriff's Association.
Sheriffs of Oklahoma Defend Against Extortion Claims in Federal Court
Otherwise known as the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”).
Below are current or former Sheriffs who are named defendants in a federal civil rights action, Graff, et al v. ABERDEEN ENTERPRISES II, INC. et al, (Case 4:17-cv-00606-TCK-JFJ). Â
This is a Civil Rights action arising under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, 18 U.S.C. § 1964(c) (“RICO”), and the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. Â
The main purpose of “RICO”, the Organized Crime Control Act”, is "to seek the eradication of organized crime in the United States." - Statement of Findings and Purpose of the Organized Crime Control Act, 84 Stat. 923.
The lawsuit challenges a statewide extortion scheme that jails impoverished Oklahomans, while generating revenue for the Sheriff’s Association, Courts, and a private debt collection agency [Aberdeen Enterprises II, Inc.]. The law suit alleges that these Sheriffs act as the enforcers of the extortion scheme.  An amended complaint also details the participation of county judges, court clerks, and cost administrators in this system.
18 U.S.C. § 1964(c) is the civil remedy against RICO crimes that state: "Any person injured in his business or property by reason of a violation [...] may sue therefor in any appropriate United States district court and shall recover threefold the damages he sustains and the cost of the suit, including a reasonable attorney’s fee"
More about the case...
The former and current Sheriff defendants allegedly:
“routinely arrest and jail individuals pursuant to [...] debt-collection arrest warrants that are based solely on nonpayment.” [4:17-CV-606-TCK-JFJ]
The Oklahoma scheme violates constitutional principles established by the Supreme Court that prohibit an individual from being jailed solely because he/she is too poor to pay court debts.Â
“referral of debt collection to Aberdeen violates the Fourteenth Amendment prohibition against government law enforcement actors . . . having a direct and personal financial stake in the cases under their authority.” [10th Cir. Appellsate Case 21-0531, Published Opinion pg 18]
“policy and practice of subjecting individuals who owe court debt to onerous collection enforcement methods” violates the Fourteenth Amendment.” [10th Cir. Appellsate Case 21-0531, Published Opinion pg 18]
“Counts Eight (abuse of process), Nine (duress), and Ten (unjust enrichment) are all state law claims alleged against Aberdeen and the OSA.” [10th Cir. Appellsate Case 21-0531, Published Opinion pg 19]
The case began in 2017 and was dismissed in error. Upon appeal to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals [Case # 21-5031], the case was remanded back to the Oklahoma Northern District where it continues to be litigated currently. As of the date of this report litigation is still ongoing and the case was confirmed to be “active” by the Clerk of Courts for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. [02/21/2024].
The Sheriff’s Association “received more than $2 million from Aberdeen Enterprizes II between 2017 and 2021. The sheriff’s association received more than $415,000 from the arrangement in 2021, accounting for nearly 40% of the organization’s total revenue.”Â
“The collection agency tacks on a 30% collection fee, which is split with the sheriff’s association after payment is received.”- Oklahoma Watch
The lawsuit seeks to establish class action status for thousands of Oklahomans who have been subjected to extortionate debt collection practices and unlawful detention by the defendants. The Plaintiffs have garnered support from many Civil Rights organizations, including, but not limited to: The Oklahoma Policy Institute, Public Justice, Cato Institute, Institute for Justice, Georgetown Law’s Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection,Â
and Civil Rights Corp.
Meet The "RICO" Sheriffs
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.