Grand jury hears more about health agency

A dozen or more witnesses showed up Tuesday as the state's multicounty grand jury resumed taking testimony about the financial scandal at the Oklahoma Health Department.

The grand jury is investigating who is to blame for the financial mismanagement there. The investigation could result in criminal charges against former officials.

Grand jurors first began hearing about the scandal in November. They conduct their investigations in closed sessions.

The witnesses arrived Tuesday morning at the Attorney General's Office, where the grand jury meets. Some were told to return in February.

A few, such as former internal auditor Jay Holland, were accompanied by attorneys.

Among the witnesses arriving Tuesday was the Health Department's Chief Financial Officer, Mike Romero, who discovered the problems.

He told a House Special Investigative Committee last week the former leadership created an atmosphere of fear at the Health Department, with employees afraid of losing their jobs for speaking out or otherwise going against management.

Health Commissioner Terry Cline and his top deputy resigned abruptly from the Health Department in October after the financial mismanagement was discovered.

Other arriving witnesses Tuesday included Brian Downs, the director of state and federal policy; Deborah Nichols, the former chief operating officer; and Jacqueline Pettit, former human resources director.