Nonprofit Seeks Restraining Order Against Oklahoma County Jail Trust Chairman

The Neal Center for Justice alleges unlawful actions by Chairman Jim Holman in approving staff pay raises against the trust's suspension.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:35am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a set of handcuffs or a jail key, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the stark, investigative nature of the issues surrounding the Oklahoma County jail.A harsh, gritty image of the tools of law enforcement highlights the complex issues surrounding the management of the Oklahoma County jail.Today in Tulsa

A criminal justice nonprofit has filed an emergency application for a temporary restraining order against the Oklahoma County jail trust and its chairman, Jim Holman. The nonprofit, the Neal Center for Justice, alleges that Holman unlawfully authorized staff pay raises in defiance of the trust's vote to suspend salary increases.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions and transparency issues surrounding the management of the financially troubled Oklahoma County jail. It raises questions about the authority of individual trust members to override decisions made by the governing body.

The details

The jail trust voted on January 12 to suspend salary increases, but Holman allegedly authorized around 100 raises that appeared in the February pay period. Holman initially denied authorizing the raises, but later acknowledged his involvement after a letter dated February 5 was read aloud at a trust meeting. The Neal Center for Justice alleges that Holman's actions violated laws governing the use of public funds and the state's Open Meeting Act.

  • The jail trust voted to suspend salary increases at its January 12 meeting.
  • Around 100 raises appeared in the jail's February pay period, which began on January 21.
  • At the March 9 trust meeting, Holman initially denied authorizing the raises, but later acknowledged his involvement after a February 5 letter was read aloud.
  • The Neal Center for Justice filed the emergency application for a temporary restraining order on April 6.

The players

Jim Holman

The chairman of the Oklahoma County jail trust, who is accused of unlawfully authorizing staff pay raises in defiance of the trust's suspension of salary increases.

Neal Center for Justice Inc.

A criminal justice nonprofit that filed the emergency application for a temporary restraining order against the Oklahoma County jail trust and its chairman, Jim Holman.

Rev. Derrick Scobey

A member of the Oklahoma County jail trust who said Holman's actions should be examined, but not criminally investigated.

Brian Maughan

The chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, who declined to comment on the pending case.

C.J. Webber-Neal

The representative of the Neal Center for Justice who alleges that public funds were spent without proper legal authority.

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What they’re saying

“It is curious to me what the motivation of this would be about. I think it is some form of compliment, that this much effort is being made to remove me from the trust.”

— Jim Holman, Oklahoma County jail trust chairman

“This case is about the rule of law. No individual — regardless of position — has the authority to override a lawful vote of a governing body and spend taxpayer dollars in defiance of that vote.”

— C.J. Webber-Neal, Representative of the Neal Center for Justice

“I'm a citizen. I pay taxes. I want to know that when my tax money goes for whatever it is that you guys are going to issue as far as taxes (that) they're going to go for the right reason — they're going to go to the right place.”

— C.J. Webber-Neal, Representative of the Neal Center for Justice

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to grant the temporary restraining order against the Oklahoma County jail trust and its chairman, Jim Holman.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in managing the financially troubled Oklahoma County jail, including questions about transparency, accountability, and the proper use of public funds. It underscores the need for strong governance and adherence to the law, even among those in positions of authority.