ELK CITY — A longtime city leader sentenced to federal prison last week for exposing inmate construction workers to asbestos at an old railroad depot will remain city manager — for now.
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City Manager Guy Hylton was sentenced last week to six months in federal prison for his role in the 2003 construction project that exposed inmates to the hazardous substance, apparently leaving city leaders to wonder whether he can remain at the helm of the city from behind prison walls.
Although the city hasn't answered that question, members of the city commission thought it would be premature to fire him until a pending appeal is resolved, said Commissioner Bruce Byerly.
The commission called a special meeting Tuesday to discuss whether to fire Hylton or to accept his resignation. After a two-hour, closed-door session the council took no action, leaving Hylton's employment status intact, along with building supervisor Chick Little, who also was convicted.
Hylton declined to comment on the vote but his attorney, Mack Martin, said if city officials intended to fire Hylton, they should have done so when he was convicted in August.
Martin said he intends to appeal the sentence and is asking that Hylton remain free on bail pending the appeal.
"It would be a horrible shame if they decide to terminate his employment and 15 months later the ruling is reversed,” Martin said.
Byerly said other city leaders shared the same fear, and he is confident Hylton will resign if he is ordered to prison while the appeal is pending.
Byerly said it would be logistically impossible for Hylton to continue serving as city manager from prison, but said he isn't sure if there is any law that would prevent it.
What crime was committed?
Hylton was convicted of negligent endangerment, a misdemeanor and Little, a work crew manager, was sentenced to eight months in prison for the same offense. Both men were initially indicted with three felony counts related to the city project.
Prosecutors maintained Hylton chose not to seek a $25 test to determine if asbestos was present in the building despite several warnings.
Guy HyltonThe Elk City manager sentenced to six months in federal prison for his role in a 2003 construction project that exposed inmates to a hazardous substance.
