Oklahoma parole board members appear in court

Later, at the Oklahoma County Courthouse, they took turns standing before a judge to get their next court date. They were told to return at 8 a.m. April 18.

“We only take a not guilty plea at this stage,” Special Judge Russell Hall said. “It's printed on the form.”

Each remains free on $5,000 bail while awaiting trial.

The five were charged Wednesday with misdemeanor violations of the state Open Meeting Act.

Charged with 10 misdemeanor counts are board Chairman Marc Dreyer, 66, and board members Currie Ballard, 54, Richard L. Dugger, 74, and Lynnell Harkins, 73.

Charged with nine misdemeanor counts is board member David E. Moore, 65.

“All of them are distressed, of course, but everyone believes they didn't violate the law,” said Dugger's attorney, John Coyle.

Still on the job

All plan to be present next week for March's regularly scheduled parole board meeting, the attorney said. Their paid positions are part-time.

“They're going to do what they've always done. It's their job,” Coyle said. “Every single one of them has worked very hard and conscientiously to help the state.”

The attorney described Dugger, a former district attorney, as being “sick about this.” Dugger's wife came with him to the jail and to court.

Ballard arrived first at the jail, with a friend from church. He waited about an hour until the others arrived, and they then all went through the booking process together.

“Prayer is in everything I do,” Ballard told The Oklahoman.