OK investigator honored for 50 years of law enforcement service

CLAREMORE, Okla. – Long-time special victim investigator Gary Stansill was honored for 50 years in law enforcement and referred to “as a gifted investigator” for his work with victims.

Stansill graduated from the Tulsa Police Academy in August of 1974 and began his law enforcement career with the Tulsa Police Department.  In the mid-1980s, he transitioned to detective and, toward the end of that decade, Stansill was most often called on to investigate sex crimes, both adult and child victims, as well as child abuse.

Stansill has investigated and helped catch several serial rapists in Tulsa and solve several cold cases.  Most recently, he and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agent Tammy Ferrari solved the case involving two missing Craig County teenagers, Lauria Bible and Ashely Freeman.

Stansill is recognized statewide in Oklahoma as an expert in sexual assault investigations and has worked with Oklahoma legislators in amending several sexual assault statutes.

His work investigating sex crimes and child abuse morphed into a national model for the multidisciplinary approach to child abuse investigations and reducing trauma for young victims.

Stansill talked about his family and his faith, saying he often relies on his faith in God and seeks direction in cases.

“I believe in miracles, and I believe God can do the impossible," Stansill said.

"The Bible Freeman case is solved with the conviction of Ronnie Busick, but it is not resolved - it won't be resolved until we bring the girls home," Stansill said.

Ronnie Busick was sentenced in 2020 on a reduced charge of accessory to murder.  He has since been released from prison.

Stansill said he is blessed to have worked with some fantastic people, calling out different officers attending Tuesday's ceremony and referring to them as “family."

Many speakers spoke of Stansill's interview and interrogation skills, calling him “the best” and saying suspects falsely assumed they were outwitting Stansill’s low-key questions. Still, those questions would often be a defining moment in the case.  

“It’s an honor to know Gary and to have him on my team,” said District Attorney Matt Ballard.  “It is impossible to overstate the impact he’s had fighting crime and bringing criminals to justice across Oklahoma.”

Ballard praised Stansill, saying he “has a unique ability to restore some of their [victims] sense of safety, and he advocates for people who have endured some of the most horrific crimes imaginable. 

“He is a truly gifted investigator,” Ballard said.

Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton said he tells young officers that Stansill is the officer to emulate.