EDMOND — New U.S. attorney sworn into office
Sanford C. Coats, a federal prosecutor since 2004, was sworn into office Wednesday afternoon as the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Coats’ appointment Dec. 24, and President Barack Obama subsequently signed Coats’ commission before Coats was sworn into office. Obama nominated Coats on Sept. 30.
“I am very honored and humbled to serve my country and the citizens of the Western District of Oklahoma in this capacity,” Coats said in a news release. “I am confident that the talented men and women in this office will continue to protect our citizens, defend our national security and represent the interests of the United States through the ethical, vigorous and impartial enforcement of our laws.”
As U.S. attorney, Coats will supervise the prosecution of all federal crimes and the litigation of all civil matters in which the United States has an interest. He oversees the work of nearly 90 employees, including 37 assistant U.S. attorneys. The Western District of Oklahoma is the largest of three judicial districts in the state and includes 40 of the 77 counties.
Coats succeeds Robert J. Troester, who has been serving as the acting U.S. attorney since August.
Sheriff’s office cancels sobriety checkpoint
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office has canceled a sobriety checkpoint that was to be held somewhere in the county from 10:30 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday.
In a news release, sheriff’s office spokesman Mark Myers said due to expected freezing temperatures, mixed with the danger of moisture on the roads, the checkpoint was canceled.
Myers said additional deputies will still conduct DUI saturation patrols, Myers said.
In Oklahoma, the maximum penalty for a first-time DUI conviction is one year in jail, a $1,000 fine and six months revocation of driver’s license. The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office attempts to conduct at least one sobriety checkpoint each month.
