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February 1, 2013

Former Purcell fire chief pleads guilty to misdemeanor

By Jessica Bruha The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — Purcell’s former fire chief Mike Clifton pleaded guilty in McClain County District Court to a misdemeanor charge of unauthorized use of a credit card this past week.

Clifton received a year of suspended sentence, a $500 fine, a $50 victim compensation assessment, a year of DA supervision and had to pay restitution and court costs. Jeff Virgin, McClain County assistant district attorney, said Clifton paid the restitution up front.

Purcell City Manager Dale Bunn said Clifton was charged for spending $1,100 on personal fuel with a city credit card. Clifton was suspended after the incident.

Before Clifton pleaded guilty last week, Bunn said he believed that Clifton would be asked to resign. The city found out about the incident after a firefighter visited city hall to check on a missing credit card, Bunn added.

Purcell Assistant Fire Chief Greg Cypert was promoted to acting fire chief when Clifton was suspended. A search has begun for a new chief.

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