Oklahoma County judge fines Epic Charter Schools’ nonprofit

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An Oklahoma County district judge imposed a $500,000 fine on the nonprofit overseeing Epic Charter Schools for filing a libel and slander lawsuit against Sen. Ron Sharp. Sharp alleged that the virtual charter school unlawfully counted student enrollment and misused taxpayer dollars.

The Oklahoman reports that Judge Cindy Troung decided the nonprofit was subject to a fine under Oklahoma Citizens Participation Act because the law sanctions plaintiffs who file meritless lawsuits intended to silence critics.