Nowata County sheriff accused of keeping $6K worth of school supplies to use on campaign

NOWATA COUNTY, Okla. (KTUL) -- Nowata County Sheriff Kenny Freeman was arrested Wednesday for felony embezzlement.

District Attorney Kevin Buchanan says Freeman helped with a school supply drive Sept. 13, which collected $6,000 worth of donations. Buchanan says Freeman was supposed to deliver the supplies to various schools but instead used them for his re-election campaign. He is seeking re-election in November.

Freeman was booked into Washington County Jail after his arrest.

Freeman has faced criticism since he was appointed to the office, even calls for him to step down from former Sheriff Jim Hallet.