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State Senator Charged With Fraud, Accused of Stealing Nearly $2 Million From Tulsa Nonprofit

oksenate.gov
Sen. Rick Brinkley, R-Owasso

The leader of the Oklahoma Senate says federal charges against Republican Sen. Rick Brinkley of Owasso are serious crimes that call for his immediate resignation.

Republican Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman of Sapulpa issued a statement Thursday shortly after Brinkley submitted a letter of resignation, effective immediately.

Brinkley stepped down after federal prosecutors charged him with five counts of wire fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return in a scheme that involved taking $1.8 million from the Better Business Bureau of Tulsa.

Bingman says that with Brinkley's resignation and a special election having been called, the Senate can put the matter behind it "and look forward to conducting the business of the state."

U.S. Attorney Danny C. Williams says Brinkley faces a maximum sentence of 20 years for the wire fraud charges and three years in prison for the false tax return count. He's due in federal court for sentencing on November 20.

According to a plea agreement filed with the court, prosecutors will recommend a sentence reduction as long as Brinkley "clearly demonstrates acceptance of responsibility," though the final decision is up to the judge.

Williams detailed the allegations against Brinkley at a news conference Thursday morning. Williams says Brinkley allegedly paid more than $300,000 on an American Express card and $100,000 on a Visa bill. He says Brinkley also allegedly used the money from the Better Business Bureau to pay his personal mortgage and for swimming pool repairs.

In a statement, the BBB's interim CEO Carrie Hurt says she's hopeful the money will eventually be returned to the organization. She declined further comment because the organization has a pending civil lawsuit filed against Brinkley in Tulsa County.

Brinkley worked at the Better Business Bureau for 15 years and served in the state Senate since 2010.

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