Accused senator removed from his leadership roles
State Sen. Bryce Marlatt was stripped Thursday of three leadership positions pending the outcome of a police sex crimes investigation.
“Further action may be taken as deemed necessary,” Senate President Pro Tem Mike Schulz wrote in a letter to members. Oklahoma City police are investigating Marlatt, R-Woodward, because of a complaint made by an Uber driver June 28.
She told police he “made advances on her during transit,” according to a police report. She specifically complained he grabbed her forcefully and kissed her on the neck while she was driving in Oklahoma City late June 26.
“As leader of the Oklahoma Senate, it is my expectation that every member conduct himself or herself in a manner that is above reproach,” Schulz, R-Altus, wrote. “Allegations like those contained in the police report concerning Senator Marlatt are very serious in nature and are not tolerated.
“Effective immediately, Senator Marlatt is relieved of his Senate Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanships, pending the outcome of this active matter that is still being sorted out.”
Marlatt, 40, was chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, a key position in a state highly dependent on the oil and gas industry. He was vice chairman of both the Senate Rules Committee and the Senate Transportation Committee.
Marlatt, who is married, has not made any public statements about the accusations. He was first elected to the Senate in 2008.
Marlatt has not been arrested. Prosecutors will make a decision on whether a criminal charge is warranted once police complete their investigation.