Ex-PHS coach to face trial

An embezzlement trial has been ordered for a former Pawhuska High School football coach, who is accused of fraudulently appropriating proceeds from a Fourth of July fireworks stand in 2012, about a month after he was put in charge of the high school football program.

Scotty Ray Gilkey pleaded “not guilty” Friday during District Court arraignment on the felony charge, which involves approximately $2,500 in fireworks sale receipts.

The 39-year-old coach and his wife, Jennifer Gilkey, are facing an additional seven-count misdemeanor charge for allegedly misappropriating several hundred dollars worth of personal checks that were intended for the Pawhuska school district.

In a written decision issued May 15, Osage County Special Judge Stuart Tate ruled the state had met its burden of proof during a preliminary hearing on the felony charge. The two-day hearing concluded April 10 following less than an hour of combined testimony by three prosecution witnesses — the Pawhuska school superintendent, a former member of Gilkey’s coaching staff and an officer for the local football boosters club.

Gilkey was suspended as PHS head coach in November 2012, three days before the Huskies’ season ended with an opening-round loss in the state playoffs. He remained suspended through the conclusion of the school year and the charges were filed in late May 2013.

Next court appearance is set for Gilkey on Aug. 13 before Associate District Judge B. David Gambill.

Gilkey remains free on bonds totalling $4,000.