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Former Rep. Randall Erwin acquitted of corruption charges
MUSKOGEE — A former state legislator was acquitted today on corruption charges.
Randall Erwin leaves the courthouse on Oct. 20, 2008, after his first day of court in Muskogee. File photo
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Former state Rep. Randall Erwin was found not guilty on seven felony counts — including conspiracy, money laundering and failure to provide honest public services — after about four hours of jury deliberations.
“We’re disappointed by the verdict, but we respect the jury’s decision,” said U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling.
Erwin’s attorney could not be reached for comment this evening.
Erwin’s defense rested today without calling any witnesses, officials said.
The jury began deliberating about 2:30 p.m. after hearing closing arguments in the case.
Prosecutors allege Erwin took kickbacks from businessman Steve Phipps in exchange for $1.1 million in taxpayer money Erwin earmarked for Phipps’ businesses in 2003 and 2004.
Erwin has said he received $6,853 from Phipps in 2004 for legitimate consulting work he performed for a gambling machine company.
Another federal jury was unable to reach a verdict on those charges in October, so a second jury heard evidence in the case this week.
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