Senator Ralph Shortey had been a strong proponent of a ‘get tough’ criminal justice policy. In fact, when the voters of Oklahoma passed a referendum to reduce simple drug possession from a felony, to a misdemeanor, Shortey led the charge to convince the legislature to nullify that act during the 2017 session. That endeavor failed in a dramatic way.With spring break approaching, Ralph was approached by a teen male whom he had developed a relationship. Shortey had been volunteering at a local youth program, in Moore, OK; and had many such contacts. The boy wanted some spending money and Ralph texted back, inquiring if he was open to “sex stuff”.
The text was intercepted by the boy’s girlfriend, who alerted the boy’s parents. They found Senator Shortey and the boy at a local hotel, and police eventually convinced Shortey to come out. Police reports indicate that the room’s air was strong with the stench of marijuana smoke.
Lt. Gov’s bodyguard quits amid allegations of affair
December 8, 1998 AP
Mrs. Fallin, a Republican who was elected to a second term in 1996, filed for divorce a few weeks after the election. At a hearing, Fallin’s attorney raised an allegation about the lieutenant governor having an affair with an unidentified bodyguard.
In a statement Monday, Public Safety Commissioner Bob Ricks said rumors surfaced in early September about ”alleged unprofessional conduct between a member of the executive security detail and the lieutenant governor.”
The statement said the trooper first denied the allegations, but was again questioned late last month and ”admitted to unprofessional conduct and was permitted to resign. That resignation was accepted last week. His admission did not indicate that sexual activity was involved.”
Lana Tyree, Mrs. Fallin’s attorney, later issued a statement saying the lieutenant governor would have no comment.
”Out of legitimate concern for the privacy and welfare of her minor children through the Christmas holidays, Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin, having denied the allegations, will not respond to or debate these issues in the media and will make no further public comment,” the statement said. Mrs. Fallin, 43, and her husband have two children, ages 11 and 8.
In court, Mrs. Fallin had said the allegations of an affair with a bodyguard were a rumor started by her husband. At last week’s hearing, District Judge Jerry Bass prevented Fallin’s attorney from pursuing questions about an alleged affair.
In response to a question from his wife’s attorney, Mr. Fallin said he had hired a private investigator to follow her.
Another hearing in the divorce case is set for next Monday.
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Sex scandal roils Oklahoma politics:Official accused of having affair with trooperGov. Keating Accused of HypocrisyDecember 12, 1998 Kansas City Star (MO)
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