Oklahoma lawmaker delays resolution seeking judge’s removal

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – An Oklahoma lawmaker says he’s decided to not push for a vote on a resolution to oust a judge who approved probation for a man who admitted raping a 13-year-old Texas girl at a church camp in southern Oklahoma.

Republican Rep. Mike Ritze told The Oklahoman that he’s putting the resolution on hold so lawmakers can focus on the state budget and other issues.

The resolution, which is not legally binding, would ask the Oklahoma Court on the Judiciary to begin proceedings to remove District Judge Wallace Coppedge.

It says Coppedge neglected his duty in accepting a plea agreement with Benjamin Petty, who was sentenced to 15 years’ probation after pleading guilty to the 2016 attack at the camp in Davis.

Coppedge has not commented on the case.