Gov. Stitt announces illegal immigration enforcement agreements with DHS, ICE

Governor Stitt Announces Finalized Agreements with the Department of Homeland Security and ICE

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 21, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt announced that the State of Oklahoma has officially finalized three agreements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, granting state law enforcement agencies enhanced authority to enforce federal immigration laws under Operation Guardian. Through these agreements, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN), and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) will work alongside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify, arrest, and remove criminal illegal aliens from Oklahoma.

Senate committee studies social media regulations to protect children

Sen. Jech Holds Interim Study Evaluating Social Media Regulations to Protect Children

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 18th) – Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, held an interim study in the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday to evaluate how to protect children from the harmful effects of social media use and analyze potential regulatory solutions.

“The information brought forward during this study revealed the alarming prevalence of mental health issues among youth who are active on social media,” Jech said. “We are facing an epidemic that demands urgent action. It’s vital that we explore protective measures and regulations while also educating both parents and young people about the risks and mental health challenges linked to online activity.”

Small: Blind trust in prosecutors unwise

Blind trust in prosecutors unwise

By OCPA President Jonathan Small

In general, Oklahomans trust law enforcement and prosecutors, but have a healthy distrust of politicians. Unfortunately, that means they should also be somewhat skeptical of prosecutions and investigations—because politicians often have a hand in them.

Epic's epically bad day: OSBI arrests founders, former CFO on felony charges

OSBI ARRESTS EPIC CHARTER SCHOOL FOUNDERS, FORMER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER ON MULTIPLE FELONY CHARGES

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 23, 2022) – Today, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is announcing the arrest of Epic Charter Schools founders Ben Harris and David Chaney, and former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Josh Brock. They were taken into custody at approximately 10 a.m. and were transported to the Oklahoma County Detention Center for booking. Harris, Chaney and Brock are facing the following charges:

• Racketeering

• Embezzlement of State Funds

• Obtaining Money by False Pretense

• Conspiracy to Commit a Felony

• Violation of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act

• Submitting False Documents to the State

• Unlawful Proceeds

AG O'Connor hands Epic Carter investigation back to Oklahoma County DA Prater

Attorney General O'Connor Agrees to District Attorney Prater's Request to Take Back the Investigation Into Epic

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, Attorney General John O’Connor announced Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater will take back the investigation into Epic Charter Schools. 

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been investigating Epic and its founders since 2013.  This investigation originated with and was overseen for several years by District Attorney Prater who was working with Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.  During the course of the investigation, the Attorney General’s office in 2020 began working with the OSBI through special counsel.  In May of 2021, the Multi-County Grand Jury released an interim report.  Last Friday, our office received the final report from the OSBI.  District Attorney Prater reached out to the Attorney General’s office in recent months requesting that he be the one to take back the investigation once the OSBI finished its investigation, as he had the investigation for many years. Prater will now resume his lead on this investigation and decide whether any charges are warranted.

Bipartisan group files legislation to address missing, murdered Native Americans

Bipartisan Legislation to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Announced

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A bipartisan group of House lawmakers filed legislation for the second half of the 57th Legislature to address Oklahoma’s missing and murdered indigenous people.

House Bill 3892, authored by Rep. Merelyn Bell (D-Norman), would require law enforcement to collect detailed biological information about the missing child, the person reporting the child missing, and the alleged suspect(s).

“Too many Native American families in our state have suffered loss and trauma when a loved one went missing or was murdered, especially when that loved one is a child,” Bell said. “We must be intentional about preventing the next child from being ripped from their family and community.”

House Bill 3893, authored by Bell, would allow for the creation of an electronic repository of student photographs to ensure there is a current photo of the child for law enforcement to use in helping locate them when they are identified as missing.

“In missing person cases, every second counts,” Bell said. “The creation of a photo database will allow law enforcement to obtain data critical to their success in locating missing persons in a timely manner.”

House Bill 3345, or Ida’s Law, authored by Rep. Mickey Dollens (D-OKC),  outlines the creation of the Office of Liaison under the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons. The Office of Liaison will consist of a missing person specialist with significant experience working alongside tribal communities.

“HB3345 is in honor of Ida Beard,” Dollens said. “Ida has been missing since June  30, 2015. Beard is a citizen on the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and her missing person case remains open to this day. Ida is one of many Native American women and girls across the country that has vanished without a trace and continues to vanish at alarming rates.”

House Bill 2847, authored by Rep. Daniel Pae (R-Lawton), creates a Red Alert System through the Department of Public Safety for when indigenous people are reported missing.

House Bill 2848, authored by Rep. Pae, would require law enforcement officers to take an additional hour of CLEET training that would focus solely on cultural competency and sensitivity training when interacting with missing indigenous people and their families.

“Like most issues, one of the biggest barriers to helping with the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people is education,” Pae said. “My bills deal with educating the public when indigenous people go missing and educating law enforcement about the needs of this community. I appreciate my colleagues for shining a light on this issue, and I look forward to working with many more to get this legislation across the finish line.”

Dollens, who held an interim study on MMIP over the summer, feels confident that this session will yield results for the Native American community.

“My work on this issue began with a phone call from one of my constituents,” Dollens said. “Since then, we have added more lawmakers from both parties to this fight. I am hopeful that our momentum will continue, and we will be able to provide our native friends and families with both resources and peace of mind.”

State Sen. Bergstrom files bill to unify public safety agencies

Oklahoma Public Safety Unification Act of 2020 is filed

Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, has filed Senate Bill 1602, also known as the Oklahoma Public Safety Unification Act of 2020, which would create the Oklahoma Public Safety Agency.

The new agency would unite state law enforcement and public safety agencies to more efficiently and effectively enforce public safety laws and deter crime. The following entities would become divisions within the new Oklahoma Public Safety Agency:

• Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP)
• Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI)
• Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBN)
• Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training
• State Fire Marshall
• Homeland Security
• Oklahoma Emergency Management
• Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE)

All functions currently performed by the OHP, OSBI, OBN, Office of the State Fire Marshall, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management would remain under their respective divisions preserving the historic identity, specialization, and mission of each original agency. 

“The purpose of this legislation is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our state law enforcement and public safety agencies serving and protecting Oklahoma citizens,” Bergstrom said. “This unification will allow for better communication between the state and local law enforcement agencies and departments, as well as between these state entities and the general public.”

Under SB 1602, the director of the Oklahoma Public Safety Agency would be appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate. The director would have the power to affirm current directors or chiefs of the divisions within the agency, or appoint a new director or chief if the position is vacant.

Director duties would also include formulating and implementing a unified law enforcement and public safety strategy, administering budgetary activities for each division, preparing rules and regulations necessary for the agency to operate, and entering into contracts with public or private organizations for research and special projects, among other duties.

The bill would also create the Oklahoma Public Safety Agency Revolving Fund, consisting of state and federal funds for the agency to operate. All money in the account would be budgeted and appropriated by the Oklahoma Public Safety Agency.

Bergstrom said while this legislation is unifying our law enforcement entities under one agency, it is not expanding the state’s police powers.

“By unifying these agencies, we are making them more efficient and allowing them to better provide the services our citizens deserve and depend on,” Bergstrom said. “Developing unified training for our law enforcement officers will elevate their skills and professionalism.”

SB 1602 would also create the Investigation Oversight Commission, which would consist of seven members including the Oklahoma Attey General; Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court; Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector; one member appointed by the governor; one member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and one member appointed by the District Attorney’s Council.

The Investigation Oversight Commission would have the ability to investigate political and public corruption.

“Oklahoma’s state law enforcement is fragmented,” Bergstrom said. “The reason I first became interested in this unification project was because of a conversation I had with a police officer in my district about the issues he saw in our law enforcement agencies and the way they work together. This legislation is aimed at fixing this problem. As this plan moves forward, I intend to ensure our law enforcement stakeholders, sheriffs and police chiefs are at the table to make this the best bill possible for Oklahoma and our law enforcement agencies."

State task force awarded DOJ grant to address rape kit backlog

Attorney General Hunter Announces State Awarded Grant to Address Rape Kit Backlog

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today announced the state has been awarded the federal Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Grant to help collect, prioritize and test a number of the sexual assault forensic evidence kits that have been identified in police evidence rooms.

The three-year, $2.4 million grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, will fund the initiatives put forth by the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Task Force after an audit identified over 7,000 sexual assault evidence kits were in police evidence rooms statewide.

A sexual assault evidence kit, also known as a rape kit, is a forensic exam used to collect evidence from a victim of sexual assault. The SAFE Task Force has met over the last two years to address the backlog.

Attorney General Hunter said applying for the grant was a natural decision by the task force to help with continued reform.

“We have made tremendous progress over the last few years in improving the entire process in our state,” Attorney General Hunter said. “This funding is going to help us expedite the reforms we have implemented, like the collection and testing of rape kits, while putting more resources toward helping victims. It will also assist us as we continue to reform the system to ensure the backlog never happens again. The grant announcement wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of the members of the SAFE Task Force, who have given so much time and attention to this very important issue.”

Governor Kevin Stitt, who earlier this year signed legislation recommended by the task force and also signed an executive order extending the work of the task force through 2023, commended members’ efforts.

“Because of the work and dedication of the members of the SAFE Task Force, our state now serves as a national model on how to end the backlog,” Governor Stitt said. “It is thanks to our significant progress in overhauling the system that our state was able to receive these funds to expedite the collection and testing of some of the kits. I applaud the members of the task force, who continue to do an exemplary job on behalf of victims of sexual assault.”

The conditions of the grant stipulate that the funding may only be used to inventory the existing numbers of unsubmitted rape kits, testing the kits and assign designated personnel to pursue new investigative leads and prosecutions and to support victims throughout the investigation and prosecution process.

The grant may also be used to develop evidence-tracking systems, train law enforcement on sexual assault investigations, conduct research on outcomes in sexual assault cases and increase the collection of offender DNA.

The state will use the funding to collect rape kits currently in law enforcement custody, categorize them to determine which kits will be submitted for testing and hire four positions. The positions will include a project manager that will assist district attorneys in re-opening cases, a victim advocate who will work directly with victims, a lead investigator and an additional agent who will work on cases.

Funding will also be provided to pay for overtime for lab technicians already on staff at the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

SAFE Task Force

Made up of lawmakers, law enforcement officials, victim advocates, a survivor of sexual assault and other stakeholders, the SAFE Task Force has overhauled how rape kits are handled in the state.

The task force has developed a priority list for which untested kits would be submitted for testing.

Additionally, during this year’s legislative session, the task force proposed three pieces of legislation that all eventually passed and were signed into law.

The legislation included:

• The use of one standardized kit;
• A requirement for law enforcement agencies to submit kits for testing within 20 days;
• A mandate to keep all kits for at least 50 years or the length of the statute of limitations, whichever is longer;
• Requirements for all medical providers, law enforcement agencies, forensic labs and other agencies that have custody of sexual assault evidence collection kits participate in a statewide electronic tracking system being implemented by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation; and
• Additional training for law enforcement related to sexual assault response and evidence collection.

The task force continues to meet regularly to ensure the successful implementation of all initiatives.

Hofmeister asks OSBI to investigate Chickasha grade-tampering

Hofmeister requests OSBI conduct criminal investigation into grade-tampering allegations in Chickasha

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 20, 2018) – The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has been investigating allegations of misconduct including potential fraud and tampering with student grade and attendance records by Chickasha Public Schools. OSDE has requested and engaged the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to assist in this matter.

The OSDE probe found unexpectedly high levels of district personnel logins and grade changes within the online Self-Paced Learning Center (SPLC) system used at the school district. A review of the SPLC found that during a four-month period, between October 2017 and January 2018, approximately 5,500 student course grades and 18,800 individual assignment grades were overridden. Additionally, there were significant discrepancies in the number of times individual teachers logged into the system.

“There have been complaints and reports of wrongdoing which continue to warrant further investigation. The allegations are extremely troubling and require the investigative authority of OSBI,” said Joy Hofmeister, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “The integrity of student records must never be compromised, and academic honesty is of paramount importance. The district’s lack of oversight appears particularly disturbing as the consequences may be far-reaching and affect many students and families.”

Rep. Cleveland Issues Statement On Bureau of Investigation’s Audit Request

Rep. Cleveland Issues Statement On Bureau of Investigation’s Audit Request

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Bobby Cleveland released the following statement today after hearing Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) Director Stan Florence had requested an agency performance audit by the State Auditor and Inspector.

“I’m relieved to hear Director Florence asked State Auditor Gary Jones for help in this area,” said Cleveland, R-Slaughterville. “It’s clear he wants to improve his agency, and I’m happy he’s taking immediate steps to do so.

“After reviewing numerous complaints from OSBI employees, I’m confident Jones will find areas in need of improvement. The agency will receive nearly $12 million this year from the state of Oklahoma, and we need to ensure our citizens are seeing a good return on investment. The performance audit is an important step in the right direction, and I’ll be anxiously awaiting the results.”

Rick Brinkley resigns from State Senate

State Sen. Rick Brinkley (R-Owasso)

From the Oklahoman:

State Sen. Rick Brinkley, accused of embezzling more than $1 million to support a hidden gambling habit, resigned from the Oklahoma Legislature on Friday afternoon, effective Dec. 31.

Former State Sen. Glenn Coffee delivered the resignation letter to the office of Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman, said Matt Glanville, Bingman's spokesman.

He said Bingman would have no comment. Coffee also delivered a copy of the letter to the secretary of state's office.

The text of the letter was not released.

Brinkley, R-Owasso, is accused of embezzling from the Better Business Bureau of Tulsa while he was an official there. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been looking into the matter since Jan. 22.