By Ron Jackson
The Oklahoman
OKLAHOMA CITY — The state trooper who was caught on video choking a Creek Nation paramedic remains on paid administrative leave with an internal investigation still under review, authorities said Monday.
Trooper Daniel Martin was removed with pay from patrol duty June 1 after a video of his May 24 scuffle with paramedic Maurice White Jr. surfaced on the Internet. The video received more than 1 million hits on YouTube, thrusting both men into the national media spotlight.
Richard O’Carroll - White’s defense attorney - said he is tired of the state agency’s inaction.
“There’s no doubt this is a slow play,” O’Carroll said in threatening a lawsuit. “They’re just hoping to stall long enough so that you guys (the media) will stop asking questions. Well, we’re tired of the games. We’re not waiting any longer.
“This is ridiculous. They still haven’t disciplined him (Martin). They just figure they can do whatever they want to do because they’re the government.”
Capt. Chris West told The Oklahoman he expects the findings of the investigation to be announced soon. He said the investigation has been “wrapped up for some time now,” and is under review by Oklahoma Highway Patrol Chief Col. Van M. Guillotte and state Public Safety Department Commissioner Kevin Ward.
Both state officials have been in discussions with Martin’s attorney, Gary James, West said. Martin could face anything from termination to exoneration.
“This is a fairly normal process,” West said. “We’ve had some cases last as long as two years before. So this isn’t unusual at all.”
James could not be reached for comment.
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