The Oswego County Legislature on Friday voted to authorize two separate investigations into the death of disabled 17-year-old Jordan Brooks.
Brooks was living with cerebral palsy and died last May after allegedly suffering severe neglect at the hands of his mother and stepfather, who now face charges, including criminally negligent homicide.
“Oswego County is committed to thoroughly examining the tragic death of Jordan Brooks, without pre-judgement and with transparency,” said James Weatherup, chair of the county Legislature.
In an at times contentious meeting, the legislature convened to decide how to obtain answers in the death of Brooks.
The legislature ultimately voted to have two separate investigations at a total cost of $125,000, which will come out of the county’s budget.
One investigation will look into the handling of the Brooks case specifically. That will be handled by attorney Scott Iseman of Saratoga Springs.
But Weatherup said it won't begin until after the criminal case against the Waldrons is resolved.
“We are not going to interfere with a criminal case," Weatherup said. "That’s very important for everyone to know.”
The goal of the second investigation is to make broader improvements to DSS itself. That will be conducted by The Bonadio Group, which has worked with the county in the past.
Weatherup said that investigation will begin immediately.
Minority Leader Frank Castiglia, however, objected to the measure, and urged legislators to wait and see if the state attorney general would open its own investigation before the county acts.
“I would gladly vote yes to all of these measures if we wait for the attorney general to say, ‘no, we’re not going to do an investigation,'” Castiglia said.
Weatherup said he is open to the AG's office conducting their own investigation, but said, ultimately, it’s their decision.
“We welcome their involvement," he said. "If they can come help, come look, I have no problem at all with them coming.”