Former Oklahoma Senate leader sentenced on bribery charge

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A former Oklahoma Senate leader convicted of bribery has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison.

Former Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan was resentenced Tuesday after a federal appeals court found his original sentence of probation as too lenient. Prosecutors had recommended a prison sentence between 41 and 51 months, arguing the bribery conviction is more serious because of Morgan’s position of power.

Morgan’s attorneys requested that he be assigned to a federal facility in El Reno.

The Stillwater Democrat was found guilty of taking a $12,000 bribe in exchange for his influence on legislation. Morgan maintains any money he took was payment for legal work, but prosecutors said his sentence should serve as a warning to other attorneys in the Legislature regarding such arrangements.