The McIntosh County Election Board heard testimony at 10 a.m.Thursday, April 16, in a contest of candidacy filed against District 1 County Commissioner candidate Jeffery Coleman (McIntosh County sheriff, 2001–2004).
The special meeting, held at the McIntosh County Courthouse, centered on a petition filed by Loyal Dean Taylor (Dist. 1 incumbent) challenging Coleman’s candidacy in the upcoming June 16 election.
During the hearing, Taylor submitted docu- mentation regarding a warrant and information related to the Dec. 1 animal cruelty charges filed against Coleman by the Cherokee Nation.
Board members Betty Morrison, Franklin Davis and Kim Limbaugh convened the hearing at 10 a.m., with a quorum present. Also attending were Taylor, Coleman, District Attorney Gregory Stidham, and witnesses called on behalf of Coleman.
Dean Casey, an employee of the Cherokee Nation, testified that a warrant involving Coleman had been recalled on March 10, 2026. Stidham clarified for the board that a recalled warrant means it is no longer outstanding, though the case itself remains pending.
Coleman’s second witness, Laurie Burkhalter, who notarized the signature on Coleman’s candidate filing packet, testified that she reviewed the paperwork and sought legal guidance on whether a pending case needed to be disclosed. She indicated she was advised that the charges did not need to be included because the warrant was no longer active.
Board members questioned both the witnesses and Coleman, including requests for documentation confirming the warrant’s recall, which Coleman provided. When asked about the pending case, Coleman stated he could not discuss it. Coleman’s next court date is May 12 at 1 p.m. at the Cherokee Nation District Court.
After hearing testimony and closing statements from both parties, the board moved into deliberation.
In a unanimous 3-0 vote, the board ruled that Coleman must amend Section 7 of his candidate filing packet to include the criminal history, keeping his name on the ballot.
The decision clears the way for Coleman to remain in the District 1 county commissioner race, where he faces Republican Jeff Boyd. The winner of that race will face Taylor in the General Election.
