State Rep. Randy Terrill, former state Sen. Debbe Leftwich charged with bribery

Prosecutors today charged state Rep. Randy Terrill and former state Sen. Debbe Leftwich with bribery.

Terrill, R-Moore, is accused of offering a bribe for withdrawal of candidacy. Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City, is accused of soliciting and/or accepting a bribe from another for withdrawal of candidacy.

The felony charge is the result of an investigation that began after the last legislative session ended.

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater specifically alleges Terrill attempted to legislatively create and fund an $80,000-a-year job at the state medical examiner's office. The district attorney alleges Terrill then tried to force through the appointment of Leftwich to the job so she would not run for re-election to the state Senate. He alleges Terrill used "political influence and/or intimidation" to try to force the appointment.

The district attorney alleges Leftwich "intentionally, willfully and knowingly did solicit and/or accept a thing of value from ... Terrill" not to run.

Terrill in August said, "This entire thing is preposterous. It is so far-fetched that it is ridiculous. It obviously is the product of someone's overactive imagination."

Leftwich's attorney, Robert McCampbell, has said in the past, "Sen. Leftwich has acted properly in all respects."

The key witnesses against Terrill and Leftwich include Tom Jordan, the former chief administrative officer at the medical examiner's office.

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