Strother Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ryan Lehman has been suspended following his arrest last week for allegedly soliciting the services of a prostitute.

The board that oversees the Fire Department held an emergency meeting Monday evening, Sept. 15 and voted to suspend Lehman effective immediately. His employment status is pending the outcome of the case.

As reported in the Sept. 14 edition of The Seminole Producer Lehman was arrested Thursday, Sept. 11 on anticipated charges of violation of the computer crimes act and engaging in prostitution, lewdness or assignation. As of press time Tuesday, formal charges had not been filed.

Lehman’s arrest was reportedly part of a sting operation conducted by a human trafficking task force with the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Department. Reports indicate that members of the task force posed as prostitutes on various online platforms. Lehmen reportedly contacted one of the undercover officers online and agreed to pay her $80 in exchange for a sexual act. Lehmen was arrested after he agreed to meet the undercover officer at a Shawnee Motel. He reportedly used Google to search for female escorts and responded to an advertisement for such services.

The Strother Fire Department is located on Highway 99A near Little and is comprised of about 20 volunteer firefighters. Lehman assumed the role of fire chief in April.

The Strother Fire Department is located on Highway

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