Former Owasso City Manager Not Indicted By Tulsa County Grand Jury

The former Owasso city manager, forced out over accusations of abusing his power, says he will not be indicted.

Thousands of residents signed a petition to get a grand jury to look into Rodney Ray's actions. Friday evening, Ray held a news conference saying the grand jury chose not to recommend any charges against him.

"I believe very strongly in the American system of justice. I believe we are a nation of laws, not of men. I think this proves and shows that, when there are unsubstantiated allegations, 12 righteous men and women will come up with a common sense solution," Ray said.

6/18/2013 Related Story: Owasso City Manager Accused Of Demanding Police Tapes Be Destroyed

The Tulsa County District Attorney confirms the grand jury did not recommend charges. According to the grand jury's final report, members found insufficient evidence to prove "racketeering, bribery, conspiracy, accessory or any other uncharged criminal activity involving Rodney Ray..."

The report also states: "However, the Grand Jury did receive evidence of unethical and/or questionable actions on the part of the City Manager that did not rise to the level of criminal conduct. Such conduct should not be condoned or tolerated from the Office of City Manager in the future."

Ray is accused of demanding the destruction of a police tape showing an Owasso city councilor being pulled over on suspicion of DUI.

In its report, the grand jury made several recommendations about how the city can change its policy regarding the deletion of police department video or audio files.

Ray is also charged with passing a bad check and filing a false police report about it. He's pleaded not guilty to those charges and is set for trial in April 2014.

Read the seven-page report from the Tulsa County Grand Jury

9/20/2013 Related Story: Grand Jury Impaneled To Investigate Corruption In Owasso City Hall