Indian lawmaker resigns after being charged for child prostitution


Former Oklahoma State Sen. Ralph Shortey (R). Photo: Oklahoma Legislature

An Indian lawmaker who has been charged for child prostitution resigned from the Oklahoma Legislature on Wednesday.

Former Sen. Ralph Shortey (R), a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, was found in a motel on March 9 with a 17-year-old male, according to news reports. He is being charged with engaging in child prostitution, engaging in prostitution within 1,000 feet of a church and transporting a minor for prostitution.

“I have accepted Ralph Shortey’s resignation, which is effective immediately,” Sen. Mike Schulz (R), the president of the Senate, said in a press release. “To ensure justice is not impeded, the Oklahoma Senate will continue to cooperate with all authorities looking into this matter.”

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.

Read More on the Story:
Oklahoma Sen. Shortey resigns after being charged (The Oklahoman 3/22)
State Senator Ralph Shortey resigns amid child prostitution charges (KOCO 3/22)
Oklahoma Senator Ralph Shortey submits resignation letter after being charged with engaging in child prostitution (KFOR 3/22)

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