Gray was elected as district attorney for Adair, Cherokee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties in 2002. He assumed the duties of district attorney on Jan. 6, 2003.
"I am proud of the job I have done for the last three years," Gray said. "I have gained valuable experience that will make my next term as district attorney even more successful."
During his first term as district attorney, Gray set out to accomplish a number of goals that would benefit the citizens of District 27. Gray said he accomplished many of these goals, including increasing the number of cases tried by juries in the counties Gray serves. During his time in office, Gray has obtained jury verdicts against methamphetamine manufacturing and juries have sentenced four murderers to life in prison without the possibility of parole, he said.
"I promised that I would have more jury trials during my time as district attorney and I have fulfilled that promise," Gray said. "I would like to continue the effective prosecution that I have started."
Gray said he has also stepped up the efforts of the district attorney's office to collect child support payments. Since 2003, district attorney investigators have arrested over 200 defendants on child support warrants alone, within a 13-month period.
"During the last quarter of 2005, more than $1 million was collected for back child support for the children of this district," Gray said. "Through the perseverance and efforts of the Child Support Division, these children are able to live a better life."
Gray listed a variety of other accomplishments during his term, including over 300 arrests by district attorney investigators for non-payment of bogus checks and restitution; an increase in staff throughout District 27; and programs have been established that have substantially increased funds to effectively serve the citizens of Adair, Cherokee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties.
"When I took office, there were almost no funds left to operate this district," Gray said. "With great determination and dedication, my administration has established, and diligently executed, programs that continue to bring in funds that allow us to better serve the citizens of District 27."
While Gray has accomplished many of his goals during his first term as district attorney, he said that knows there is more work to be done.
"I will be more proactive during my next term," Gray said. "My staff has already begun to work on programs, such as a juvenile drug court, that will benefit the youth of my district and will prevent future crime."
He said that he will also look to increase the number of investigators employed by his office, a plan he says will benefit the local law enforcement as well as the public.
Gray said he considers it a privilege to work for the citizens of District 27 and hopes that he has the honor to serve the public for another term.
"I have enjoyed serving the citizens of Adair, Cherokee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties," Gray said. "I look forward to serving them another four years."
