Indictments unsealed in district court Tuesday accused three people of fraudulent activity linked to a failed petition drive in 2006 for a so-called "taxpayer bill of rights."
Advertisement
Those indicted are Susan Elizabeth Johnson of Michigan, president of National Voters Outreach; Paul Jacob of Virginia, an official with Citizens In Charge; and Richard Merrill Carpenter of Tulsa, head of Oklahomans In Action.
All three were charged with conspiracy to defraud the state, a felony. Carpenter also was charged with violating the state's initiative petition act.
The three were handcuffed together after they either pleaded not guilty or had a not guilty entered for them by District Judge Bryan Dixon and led out of the courtroom by sheriff's deputies.
Jacob, a national advocate for legislative term limits, protested loudly as the three were escorted for booking.
"Is this what happens when people petition their government? Is this America? What is going on?" Jacobs stated. "This is an attack on our right to petition our government."
Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
It might be linked to the fact that two of them are from out of state. I'm pretty sure there is a law that only Oklahoma residents can work on a petition drive.
Not much info in this soundbite. However, based on past reports this indictment seems just. The indictment that makes no sense, is the indictment unsealed in Atoka yesterday regarding the use of state printers for campaign re-election. Is the AG serious, do we really need to spend the time and money on an indictment for copier use?
You are correct, Keith. The above story is incomplete. However, its just a post from the AP. Too bad all the Oklahoman knows how to do is copy and paste.
There's not enough information here to make an informed decision. Do a little detective work and write a complete story. Today's media (video and print) have reduced themselves to "sound bites" and "Infotainment".
5
Prev
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Log in below or sign up (it's free).