Oklahoma legislator wants workers’ comp benefits over traffic accident

Christian testified

in corruption case

That investigation eventually led to a bribery case against state Rep. Randy Terrill and former state Sen. Debbe Leftwich. Christian was not charged.

Christian testified for the prosecution in November at a preliminary hearing for Terrill and Leftwich. His testimony was not the result of any deal.

“He was a subject of the investigation,” Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said last week. “There wasn’t enough evidence to charge him.”

Prosecutors allege Terrill, a Republican, offered Leftwich, a Democrat, an $80,000-a-year state job to not run for re-election.

Prosecutors allege Terrill acted to help his friend, Christian, who planned to run for Leftwich’s Senate seat.

Christian abandoned his Senate campaign after coming under investigation. He then won re-election to the House.

Christian has said he had no reason to believe anyone was doing anything improper.

Terrill faces a felony count of offering a bribe to a candidate to withdraw. Leftwich faces a separate felony count of soliciting and/or accepting a bribe to withdraw. Both deny wrongdoing.

Prosecutors are seeking to add a conspiracy count to the case. That issue is now before the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. Oral arguments are set for July 26. The jury trial will not be set until the appeals court rules.