Home Breaking News Oklahoma Secretary of State Arrested for Public Intoxication

Oklahoma Secretary of State Arrested for Public Intoxication

Oklahoma Secretary of State Arrested for Public Intoxication

Newly released police bodycam video obtained by Fox News Digital reveals the arrest of Oklahoma Secretary of State Benjamin Lepak outside a McDonald’s. The incident occurred Friday night in Edmond, where officers responded to a report of a man appearing drunk in public.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, police found Lepak at the drive-thru window of the restaurant, with his vehicle parked nearby. Lepak confirmed ownership of the vehicle. The affidavit further described Lepak’s speech as ‘extremely slurred’ and noted a noticeable odor of alcohol on his breath. Additionally, Lepak struggled with his wallet while attempting to present identification.

Lepak was questioned by police officers regarding his whereabouts, alcohol consumption, and how he arrived at the McDonald’s as depicted in the body camera footage.

The video shows Lepak informing officers that he had attended a church gathering with other fathers earlier that evening. Although he disputed claims of unsteadiness, police alleged Lepak’s inability to maintain a coherent train of thought during the encounter. Lepak admitted to drinking beer, stating, “I had a beer… that’s,” later clarifying he consumed less than one beer.

Police allege Lepak provided conflicting statements about driving to the McDonald’s and his arrival, as per the affidavit. Following this, Lepak was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication.

A spokesperson for Lepak mentioned to Fox News Digital that he was outside the restaurant waiting for dinner and highlighted the absence of a breathalyzer test conducted by the police. “Mr. Lepak will address the ticket appropriately through the legal process,” the spokesperson stated.

This arrest has led Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond to urge Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt to dismiss Lepak. Drummond cited Lepak’s inebriation evidenced by law enforcement footage and accused him of lying about the amount he drank and his transportation.

Drummond criticized Stitt for Lepak’s appointment, referencing a prior arrest a few years ago where Lepak was found unconscious in a running vehicle. He also accused Stitt of a history of judgment errors during his office tenure, urging the immediate termination of Lepak to prevent further embarrassment for the state.

Brittany Miller is a Fox News Digital breaking news writer and former Independent reporter who graduated from Syracuse University in 2023.

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