Ada's Cast of Characters
If you have listened to my podcast consistently or read my book, "Allegedly: True Crime From Pontotoc County, OK," you may have noticed names that I mention repeatedly when discussing Ada and the surrounding counties' cases. I want my listeners to be able to know at the drop of a hat who I am talking about at any given moment.
Think of it like your favorite TV series. Characters come and go, but our mains usually remain the same.
The District Attorneys. The OSBI agents and local officers. The City of Ada likes to stick with its heavy hitters, whether they are right or wrong, corrupt or classic heroes. These are some of the names you may hear a trend with in the episodes, and I also know that you will, undoubtedly, hear them again in the future.
Sometimes referred to as "The Liars Club"
District Attorney Bill Peterson: A formidable figure in the legal realm, he served as the lead prosecutor in the harrowing cases of Denice Haraway and Debbie Carter. His illustrious career as District Attorney spanned 28 years, from 1980 to 2008, during which he tirelessly served Pontotoc, Seminole, and McClain Counties.
Peterson's lineage is deeply entwined with the region's history. His grandfather, P.A. Norris, a prominent figure of wealth and influence, owned the First National Bank on Main Street, was a rumored high-ranking member of the Ada Masonic Order, and generously donated the land for the college football stadium, which now bears his name: Norris Field.
His name has been intertwined with controversy, as evidenced by his unsuccessful libel suit against John Grisham. His reputation has been marred by negative recognition, as he was included in the Bennett Law Firm's list of the Top 10 Worst Prosecutors in 2007.
Judge Tom Landrith: Landrith embarked on his judicial journey in 1995. As his term concludes at the end of 2014, his legacy is marked by significant contributions to the justice system, including the restoration of the historic courthouse and the construction of the justice center.
Landrith established one of the nation's first rural drug courts in 1997. Recognizing the need for effective treatment options, he founded the Southern Oklahoma Addiction Recovery (SOAR) rehab work camp in 2008. This initiative addressed the shortage of affordable treatment programs and provided crucial support to individuals struggling with addiction.
After honorably fulfilling his duty to his country, Landrith returned to Oklahoma. He pursued his legal education at the University of Oklahoma, earning his Juris Doctor in 1976. With a heart set on serving his hometown, he returned to Ada, a third-generation native, to embark on a distinguished legal career.
Elected to the esteemed position of District Judge of the 22nd District, which encompasses Seminole and Hughes Counties, Landrith's leadership was widely recognized. He was re-elected unopposed for an impressive four consecutive terms.
In his role as District Judge, Landrith presided over a multitude of high-profile cases, including criminal and civil jury trials, divorces, marriages, and countless other legal proceedings. Some of these cases have even gained national attention, as seen in the renowned book and Netflix series "The Innocent Man."
While Landrith retired from the bench in 2014, he continues to serve as the drug court judge in Pontotoc County. Special District Judge Steve Kessinger assumed the role of District Judge at the beginning of 2015.​​
Chris Ross embarked on a distinguished legal career, beginning as an Assistant District Attorney under Bill Peterson. After completing his college education and law school, he gained experience through an internship and a brief stint as an Assistant Prosecutor in Lawton. In 1983, he joined the Ada office, where he served for 35 years. Recognizing his exceptional abilities, Governor Brad Henry appointed Ross as District Attorney in 2008. Subsequently, he was re-elected unopposed for two consecutive terms.
Ross played a pivotal role in prosecuting all homicides that occurred in Pontotoc County between 1989 and 2016. He worked alongside District Attorneys from '89-'08 and his own ADAs from '08-'16. He retired in 2016.
Jeff Crosby: A seasoned law enforcement veteran, Crosby served the Ada Police Department for over three decades, culminating in his role as Assistant Chief. He then transitioned to a crucial position as the City of Ada's Emergency Management Director.
A graduate of East Central University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Crosby began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer in 1986.
Upon his return from Iraq, Crosby continued his ascent within the Ada Police Department, eventually becoming the Assistant Chief of Police in 2011, a role he held for four years. In recent years, Crosby's career was marred by allegations of police corruption. Tragically, he took his own life in 2018, two days before his scheduled testimony in the Perry Lott case.
Judge C. Steven Kessinger: a local attorney with a strong connection to the community, was appointed to the position of Special District Judge in Pontotoc County District Court in 2008. He replaced Judge John David Miller, who had served for 25 years.
Kessinger's appointment was praised by Judge Tom Landrith, who recognized his diverse legal experience and strong judicial temperament. Kessinger's local roots, having graduated from Byng High School and East Central University, further strengthened his connection to the community. Known for cases like that of the exoneration of Perry Lott.
Kevin Hood: An Ada Detective and uncle to murder victim Caitlin Wooten.
Gary Rogers: Former OSBI agent. One of the lead investigators in the Denice Haraway Case, the Carter Case, and many more. Former Pontotoc County District Attorney Bill Peterson, former Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation investigator Gary Rogers, and Melvin Hett, a former OSBI criminologist, filed a defamation lawsuit against John Grisham and others involved in the publication of "The Innocent Man." They claimed the book falsely portrayed them and their handling of a murder case in Ada. The lawsuit alleged defamation, false light, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Ultimately, the plaintiffs were unsuccessful in their legal action.
Gary Perkinson: Pauls Valley Police Department 1990-1992, Ada Police Department 1992-2000, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation 2000-2017—A distinguished figure in law enforcement, achieved a significant milestone in his career when he graduated from the prestigious 264th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on June 10, 2016. This accomplishment is a testament to his dedication and expertise, as only a select few (1%) law enforcement officers nationwide have the privilege of attending this esteemed academy.
Perkinson embarked on his law enforcement journey in 1990 with the Pauls Valley Police Department. In 1992, he joined the Ada Police Department as a patrol officer and quickly advanced to detective. By 1999, Perkinson was a pivotal force in the fight against crime, assigned full-time to the District 22 Drug Task Force, serving the communities of Pontotoc, Seminole, and Hughes counties.
In 2000, Perkinson joined the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) as a special agent, dedicating his talents to serving Oklahoma. His academic pursuits led him to East Central University in Ada, where he earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree. Recognizing his exceptional contributions, the OSBI honored Perkinson with the prestigious Agent of the Year award in 2007. A skilled marksman, he also served as a Firearms Instructor, training and mentoring fellow officers.
In 2009, Perkinson's distinguished career reached new heights when he was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the OSBI's Special Investigations Unit.
In recognition of the need to address unsolved cases, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation launched a new cold case unit. This initiative was made possible by an 18-month grant from the National Institute of Justice, totaling approximately $500,000.
Perkinson explained that the unit meticulously examined approximately 400 cold case files, dating back to the early 1970s. A primary focus of the unit was to identify cases with DNA evidence suitable for creating a suspect profile, as required by the federal grant. If a case lacked a suspect, the DNA profile was meticulously input into the CODIS database.
After a remarkable 27-year career in law enforcement, Perkinson retired, leaving a lasting legacy of service and dedication. I am incredibly honored to have him contribute the forward to this book. He is a true exemplar of law enforcement excellence, and I am grateful that Oklahoma has had such a dedicated and respectable individual serving its communities.
Dennis Smith: Detective Captain, usually the lead investigator for homicide cases back in the day. Worked on the Debbie Carter and the Denice Haraway Case, among many more.
Sheriff John Christian: Christian's roots run deep in Ada, where he was born and raised, graduating from high school in 1974. The ebb and flow of the Oklahoma economy shaped his career path. After the oil bust of the 1980s, he sought a new direction, finding purpose in serving his community by joining the sheriff's office as a jailer in 1986.
His dedication quickly blossomed. After a brief stint as a jailer, he embraced the challenges of field duty under the guidance of Sheriff Don Kaiser and continued his service under Sheriff Jeff Glase. Recognizing his leadership qualities, Glase appointed Christian as undersheriff in 1995, a position he held with distinction for a decade.
When a change in administration brought Sheriff Pete Peterson to office in 2005, Christian, while stepping down from his role at the sheriff's office, remained dedicated to public service, transitioning to the role of compliance officer for the Pontotoc County Drug Court. He then ran for sheriff in 2008 and defeated Peterson. He retired on January 1, 2025.
Sheriff Jeff Glase: Glase’s 12-year run as Pontotoc County Sheriff ended in January 2006 after he was defeated by Pete Peterson. Glase had served as a sheriff’s deputy for 11 years before taking charge of the department.
Glase was diagnosed with leoblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in April 2006. Forced to retire from his position as Chief of Police in Konawa due to his illness, he succumbed to the disease later that year. Sheriff Glase's career was marked by his involvement in numerous cases, including the notorious Daniel Furr case, which was detailed in my book, Sins of the South.
Undersheriff Joe Glover: Joe obtained a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice from East Central University. As a key member of the Sheriff's Office, his role entailed a wide range of responsibilities, including leading criminal investigations, investigating child abuse cases, preparing legal documents, acting as the public information officer, and maintaining proficiency in law enforcement tactics. The position requires a strong commitment to public safety, attention to detail, and the ability to handle complex investigations and sensitive situations. He was the Undersheriff from 1997 to 2009.
I worked alongside Joe Glover for several years back around 2007. He was a highly respectable, honorable, and likable man. He could recite the intro to Law & Order by heart.
He is now the Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
Iris Dalley Graff: A distinguished figure in the field of forensic science, served as a Special Agent for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), retiring in 2009. During her illustrious career, she delved into the intricacies of laboratory analysis and crime scene investigation and collaborated with numerous police agencies to unravel the complexities of hundreds of homicide cases. For the past two decades, she has formed a formidable partnership with Gary Graff, a retired FBI Special Agent, combining their collective expertise to conduct investigations and provide law enforcement training.
In 2016, they established Graff Investigative and Forensic Training, a team dedicated to honing the skills of law enforcement professionals. Armed with over 50 years of combined experience, they offer invaluable insights and practical training. Dalley, who holds a B.S. in Biology and a Master's in Secondary Science, has spent decades sharing her knowledge through case consultations, expert testimony, forensic analysis, and instruction in bloodstain pattern analysis, crime scene reconstruction, and shooting incident reconstruction, both domestically and internationally.
From 2008 to 2016, she was a vital member of Bevel Gardner and Associates, a renowned training and consulting group. Her forensic instruction is renowned for its focus on practical skills and tailoring to the specific needs of her students. A Fellow and Distinguished Member of the Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction, she has also served as president of the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts, leaving an enduring legacy in the field.
Pete Peterson: Born in Sallisaw in 1949, James, affectionately known as 'Pete' to his colleagues, carried the spirit of his small-town upbringing throughout his life. He thrived in the close-knit community, excelling as a Black Diamond football player at Sallisaw High School before venturing to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.
A deep-seated desire to serve his community led him to a career in law enforcement. His journey began in Marble City, Oklahoma, before taking him to Jasper, Alabama, where he forged lasting bonds with the community. Returning to his home state, he joined the Muskogee Police Department, eventually finding his true calling with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in 1982.
As a DARE officer, Pete cherished the opportunity to positively influence young minds and foster a positive image of law enforcement. His passion for cars and driving extended into his role as an LEDT instructor, where he instilled confidence and safety in fellow officers.
Beyond his law enforcement career, Pete served his country in the United States Army National Guard, deploying to Desert Storm in 1990. His commitment to service continued through his involvement in the American Legion, where he served as first vice commander of Post 72.