An Indian lawmaker who resigned from his seat in Oklahoma has been indicted on federal sex trafficking and child pornography charges.
Former Sen.
Ralph Shortey (R), a citizen of the
Rosebud Sioux
Tribe, is accused of sending child pornography over the internet, producing child pornography and soliciting sex from a minor. He pleaded not guilty to the
four charges as he wept in court on Wednesday, The Oklahoman reported.
The sex trafficking charge relates to a case filed against Shortey in Oklahoma court in March. The case led to his resignation and will be dropped in light of the federal government's involvement.
"I believe this case is best handled in one venue and have every confidence the U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute this matter expeditiously," Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn said in a
press release issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Oklahoma.
Shortey, 35, is married and has two children, according to a biography submitted to the Oklahoma Legislature. He was first elected to the state Senate in 2010 in a district that covers parts of Oklahoma City.
Read More on the Story:
Former Oklahoma state senator accused in federal indictment with child sex trafficking and child pornography offenses
(The Oklahoman September 6, 2017)
Former Sen. Ralph Shortey faces federal charges for child pornography, child sex trafficking
(KFOR September 6, 2017)
Federal child porn-related charges filed against former state Sen. Ralph Shortey
(KOCO September 6, 2017)
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