State Mental Health Agency Terminates AG Drummond In Lawsuit

A lawsuit focused on whether Oklahoma's system of providing mental health services in jails is adequate will need new representation, it was announced on Tuesday.

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) has terminated Attorney General Gentner Drummond's services in the consent decree lawsuit, Briggs v. Friesen.

Mental Health Commissioner Allie Friesen issued the following statement regarding the decision: 

“We have decided to cease being represented by the Attorney General in the Briggs et al v. Friesen Consent Decree lawsuit regarding jail-based competency services. 

This is the best step to ensure justice for all Oklahomans. The Consent Decree, as currently written and approved by the Attorney General, would cease competency treatment in 75 of 77 counties, stopping essential treatment for people already receiving care as well as delaying justice for victims in these criminal cases. This is simply unacceptable. 

When Oklahomans are unable to receive timely treatment, their conditions can worsen. Drummond’s demands would deny care to countless individuals who rely on us. The longer we delay, the harder it becomes for them to recover.  

The Attorney General’s recent public comments demonstrate clear contempt for ODMHSAS and a refusal to operate in the best interests of the patients we serve. By seeking new representation, we can better ensure Oklahomans receive the care they need in all 77 counties.”  

The termination letter sent by Commissioner Allie Friesen to the Attorney General can be found below.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond released a statement to News 9 saying,

“My client is the State of Oklahoma, not the government agency that put us in this indefensible position. With all due respect to the commissioner, she cannot fire me — just as she did not hire me. My responsibility is to the people of our state.”