The Edmond City Council voted 4-1 on Monday, Sept. 28, to place City Attorney Madeline Sawyer on administrative leave at a special meeting called to address her employment.

The council then voted unanimously to appoint Taylor Clark as acting city attorney, effective immediately, Edmond News reported. Ward 4 Councilmember Phil Fraim made the motion to place Sawyer on leave, according to a separate Edmond News post.

City spokesman Casey Moore said the motion itself would be the extent of the city's statement. The council did not publicly explain its reasoning.

The vote caps nearly two weeks after Sawyer's Sept. 16 dismissal of a misdemeanor public intoxication charge against Oklahoma Secretary of State Ben Lepak. Lepak, appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt in October 2025, was arrested Aug. 14 outside an Edmond McDonald's after officers noted "extremely slurred speech" and the odor of alcohol, Oklahoma Voice reported. His vehicle was at the restaurant. Officers noted "it was apparent that Lepak drove to the location," according to the police report. He was not charged with driving under the influence.

Sawyer dismissed the charge before any court appearance. The dismissal notice stated Lepak was "verifiably engaged in services more appropriate than those provided through the (municipal) Court," according to city spokesperson Emily Ward.

That outcome was unusual. A KFOR review of court records found that of 181 resolved public intoxication cases in Edmond Municipal Court since September 2025, 76% ended in conviction. Only three people, including Lepak, paid the $280 in fines and costs and walked away without a conviction or probation.

Oklahoma attorney Tim Gilpin told KFOR on Sept. 24 that Lepak's outcome raised questions. "I don't think it hurts that he's the Oklahoma state secretary of state, appointed by the governor and holds a position of power and responsibility," Gilpin said.

Lepak has faced alcohol-related charges twice before, Oklahoma Voice reported. In 2021, he pleaded guilty in Oklahoma County District Court to misdemeanor charges of having actual physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated and transporting an open container of beer. He received a one-year deferred sentence and probation.

NonDoc Media reported Sept. 28 that conversations with Edmond leaders suggest the council's decision regarding Sawyer "has been considered for much longer" than the Lepak dismissal alone.

Sawyer declined to comment. No individual council member has explained their vote, and the identity of the lone dissenter was confirmed to be Maggie Murdock Nichols.

The special meeting began at 4 p.m. at City Hall, 22 E. Main St. The meeting agenda listed an executive session on the city attorney's employment before the public votes. The council's next regular meeting was scheduled for 5:30 p.m. the same day.