Friday, April 6, 2007; Posted: 6:39 p.m.(CDT)

Oklahoma County officials joined together Friday afternoon to talk about the charges being brought against their co-worker, Brent Rinehart.  Rinehart is accused of violating state campaign laws during his 2004 campaign for commissioner.

Sheriff John Whetsel says, "I think we have to be saddened.  This is a sad day for Oklahoma County."

Jim Roth, commissioner for Oklahoma County District One, says, "It is deeply troubling to all of us as individuals and office holders that a colleague would allegedly obtain public office through illegal means."

During Friday's news conference an unexpected visitor arrived.  Brent Rinehart walked in while Commissioner Roth was speaking.  Rinehart had turned himself in to authorities Friday morning.  He was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail, and later posted $24,000 bond.

When other elected officials were finished speaking Rinehart took to the podium.

"I will continue to serve the public despite the good old boy demands that I abandon public office," he said.  "I look forward to my day in court where the facts will reveal that I am innocent of the politically motivated charges made by Drew Edmondson."

However, we spoke with Sheriff John Whetsel who says there is nothing political about this.

Whetsel says, "The investigation was handled by an independent, outside agency.  I couldn't tell you if the agency was democrat or republican.  That's not how law enforcement works."

Oklahoma County's other elected officials had the following to say about where they stand on the allegations against Rinehart:

"We recognize and respect the presumption of innocence and we know Commissioner Rinehart would want us to mention that, and I think that's fair to do so."

Oklahoma County's two other commissioners say they have sent a letter to District Attorney David Prater asking for advice on what steps they should take while Rinehart goes through this ordeal.  They've asked if any limitations should be placed on him, or if he should be removed from office.

The district attorney says he hopes to have his recommendation to them by early next week.