Superintendent's testimony convinces judge of possible threat
Dale Denwalt
Daily Elk Citian
Ronald Arganbright is back in jail until his sentence hearing May 30.
District Judge Doug Haught revoked his bond based on courtroom testimony from the Sayre Public Schools superintendent and information gleaned from a pre-sentencing investigation.
Superintendent Terry Winn told the court that Arganbright's relationship with a student and the ensuing trial has caused a hardship on the faculty and students.
Arganbright, a former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper, was found guilty last month of two felony counts stemming from his sexual relationship with a girl that began when she was 15. The victim's family has also filed two separate protective orders against him. The court allowed Arganbright's sentence date to be delayed so his new attorneys could become familiar with the case.
Winn said that because of a fear that Arganbright will try to make contact with the girl, the school has increased security efforts. That includes monitoring security cameras, posting extra personnel to watch the school grounds and continually monitoring social media like Facebook and Twitter.
Arganbright had allegedly posted things online that concerned school officials, he said.
"I'm not going to say it's anything overt. There were posts that we were concerned might have a double meaning," he said.
Winn said Arganbright has not made any specific threat, however.
"So even though there has not been any specific threat by Mr. Arganbright, are you concerned that an extension of any time he would remain free on bond is a threat?" asked Assistant District Attorney Angela Marsee.
Winn replied, "yes," and Marsee asked why.
"Just to be frank, he's in a very difficult position, and it's been my experience that people in a difficult position often don't have a lot to lose," said Winn.
The pre-sentence investigation, including psychological testing results, suggests Arganbright is a continuing threat to reoffend.
"That was indicative of possible coping deficiencies and/or emotional cognitive problems," Marsee said. "It also indicates serious mental health problems may be present and may include problems with the following: Intellectual functioning, excessive fears, depression, hostility, anger, potential for assaultive behavior, impulse control, contact with reality, possible delusion and disregard for feelings of others."
She also noted a letter written by a man described as a long-time friend of Arganbright.
"In the letter he says there's no doubt in his mind that if he remains free, he will cause great bodily harm to [the victim] and his (own) family," said Marsee.
While revoking Arganbright's bond and sending him back to the Beckham County Detention Center, Haught offered an explanation for his decision.
"Apparently the stress of this pending court matter has affected the school system and is having an impact on students and other people," he said.