MOORE, Okla. – We’re learning more details about an investigation into an incident at a motel involving a teenage boy and an Oklahoma state senator.
On March 9, Moore police were called to the Super 8 Motel in regards to a welfare check.
According to the Moore Police Department’s report, the teen’s father told investigators “he has a history of soliciting himself on Craigslist for sexual conduct.”
As officers approached the motel room, the report indicates they “could smell a strong odor of raw marijuana.”
Authorities said they knocked on the door and began communicating with a man inside, who asked why they were there.
“The male subject advised there was no one other than him inside the room,” the report reads.
After being told officers would use a master-key to come inside, the door opened and police allegedly discovered a 17-year-old boy in a room with Oklahoma Sen. Ralph Shortey.
The report states the teen told police he knew the man for about a year and said he “used to sell weed to him.”
However, he said he was the only one who was smoking marijuana in the motel room.
The affidavit claims the pair were texting back and forth using the Kick app regarding money.
The teen reportedly asked the man if he needed help with anything so he could earn money for spring break.
“I don’t really have any legitimate things I need help with right now. Would you be interested in ‘sexual’ stuff?” the report alleges the man replied.
All names in the police report were redacted, but the Cleveland County District Attorney says the man in the report is Sen. Ralph Shortey.
On Tuesday, Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn told NewsChannel 4 the boy is above the age of consent in Oklahoma.
So far, no charges have been filed in the case and Shortey has not been arrested.
“The Oklahoma Republican Party takes all accusations against elected officials seriously, especially when the welfare of a minor is involved. We have reached out to Senator Shortey for comment and have not heard back from him at this time. We await the report from law enforcement on whether charges will be filed,” Pam Pollard, the Chairman Oklahoma Republican Party, told NewsChannel 4 on Tuesday.
Shortey has not responded to our repeated requests for comment.
On Wednesday, the Oklahoma Senate voted to impose a punishment against Shortey for “disorderly behavior.”
According to the resolution, Shortey was suspended from his positions as vice-chair of the Committee of Energy, the Subcommittee on Select Agencies of the Appropriations Committee.
His membership on the Committee on Retirement and Insurance, Committee on Judiciary and Committee on Appropriations were also suspended.
Shortey will also be required to return his state-owned laptop computer and other state-owned property to the Senate.
He will also have to give up his office in Room 412 and his assigned parking space.
The resolution goes on to say Shortey’s name will be removed as author or coauthor of any legislation under the control of the Senate.
He will also lose all allowances for expenses related to his office and travel expenses.
The resolution said all pages who were under the sponsorship of Shortey will be moved and no additional pages shall be scheduled under his sponsorship for the rest of the legislative session.
It appears Shortey will still be paid and is allowed to vote.
“This is not a presumption of guilt or innocence. The Oklahoma Senate has full faith that the judicial system will play out appropriately and bring this matter to a lawful conclusion. This resolution reserves the right of the Oklahoma Senate to pursue further action if more facts come to light. It would be inappropriate to comment any further due to the pending investigation,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus.