Brent Swadley, founder of the Oklahoma-based Swadley's BBQ restaurant chain, has reported losing a portion of his left middle finger in an incident at the Oklahoma County Detention Center. The mishap occurred while Swadley is awaiting sentencing on fraud charges.
According to a recording of a jail phone call obtained by KOCO 5, Swadley stated that a detention officer closed his cell door on his hand while he was partially outside the cell. Swadley claims he was speaking with an officer he had not met before when the officer became startled by his proximity. After Swadley apologized and began to re-enter his cell, he alleges the officer pushed him from behind and slammed the door, trapping his finger.
Swadley recounted that he was stuck in the door for approximately 20 minutes before receiving assistance. He stated that the initial jail operator he contacted did not immediately provide help, and a subsequent operator was unaware of the situation. Swadley described blood flowing extensively from the injury during this period. The same officer who allegedly closed the door eventually returned and, after apologizing, assisted Swadley. He estimated that about 20% of his left middle finger was lost.
Swadley was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where medical professionals determined that parts of his finger could not be saved.
Last month, Swadley was convicted on one felony count of conspiracy to defraud the state and five felony counts of presenting false or fraudulent claims against the state. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16. The Oklahoma Attorney General's office is seeking a 10-year sentence for Swadley.
David Smith, Swadley's legal counsel, indicated that the family remains concerned for his safety at the detention center. According to KFOR-TV, the family has requested privacy during this challenging period.
