TULSA, Oklahoma – A Tulsa County judge on Friday denied District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler’s request to dismiss the Grand Jury Justice citizens’ petition, allowing the effort to continue toward the Nov. 19 deadline for gathering the required 5,000 signatures.
Legal battle continues
Kunzweiler’s attorneys argue that the petition’s organizers may not represent Tulsa County residents and that the group’s only listed address is a post‑office box in Broken Arrow. In a written response, attorney Joel Wohlgemuth warned that even if the petition meets the signature threshold, additional challenges could arise during the signature‑review process.
“The only presence of the identified organization is a post office box in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. That information suggests to the citizens of Tulsa County that the organization asking for their support is local to the community. We now know that fact is simply ‘not true,’” Wohlgemuth wrote.
Petitioners push forward
Grand Jury Justice attorney Shar Agosto said her team remains confident. “We are excited about what happens next. We’re still collecting signatures,” she told reporters. Agosto acknowledged that some signatures will likely be rejected but said volunteers have been trained to ensure signers understand what they are endorsing.
“I say that because in the Sheriff Glanz grand jury, that’s what they did. But also, we’ve trained our volunteers very well and Tulsa County knows what they’re signing when they sign it,” Agosto added.
Both sides anticipate more court action
Wohlgemuth noted that the judge’s ruling leaves the door open for further litigation once the signatures are reviewed. He also questioned the petition’s transparency, stating that the organization’s leadership does not reside in Tulsa County.
Agosto refuted those claims, insisting that all verification signatures come from Tulsa County voters. “That’s not true at all. All of our verification signatures are all Tulsa County residents, Tulsa County voters,” she said.
What’s at stake?
If the petition secures the required signatures and survives legal scrutiny, it could lead to the formation of a citizens’ grand jury, a body that would review the DA’s handling of certain cases. Supporters argue this adds a layer of accountability, while critics worry it could undermine prosecutorial discretion.
The deadline looms, and both legal teams are preparing for the next round of arguments. Residents interested in participating should verify their eligibility and submit signatures before Nov. 19.
How to get involved
Volunteers are coordinating signature drives at local churches, community centers, and public events. For the latest schedule and locations, visit the Grand Jury Justice website or contact their office directly.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
