© 2024 Public Radio Tulsa
800 South Tucker Drive
Tulsa, OK 74104
(918) 631-2577

A listener-supported service of The University of Tulsa
classical 88.7 | public radio 89.5
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ex-Lawmaker to Pay $31,000 to Settle Oklahoma Ethics Commission Lawsuit

Oklahoma House

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A former top Oklahoma legislator has agreed to pay the state $31,000 to resolve an Oklahoma Ethics Commission lawsuit accusing him of misusing campaign funds.

The Oklahoman reports ex-Rep. Gus Blackwell has 60 days to pay. The settlement was approved on Jan. 25.

Blackwell has already paid $10,000 in restitution to the state House to settle a criminal case over identical allegations.

The ex-Republican majority whip in the House became a lobbyist in 2014 after term limits ended his stint in Legislature.

Oklahoma County prosecutors charged Blackwell with 44 criminal counts in 2016 after he was accused of embezzling $23,741 in campaign funds, committing perjury and making false claims.

He pleaded guilty to one felony perjury count in 2017 and admitted his final 2012 campaign report was false.