OSBI is still investigating David Boren
OSBI agents have begun a new round of interviews in a major push to wrap up their sexual misconduct investigation of retired University of Oklahoma President David Boren.
Among t hose questioned were former Gov. Brad Henry, House Minority Leader Emily Virgin and OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione, The Oklahoman has confirmed. Also questioned were former aides from both his final days at OU and from years before.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been looking into accusations made against Boren, now 78, and a former OU vicep resident, Tripp Hall, since March. The OSBI reported in a search warrant request in October that “it was alleged that Boren and Hall in appropriately kissed and touched former and current students and employees of the University of Oklahoma.”
Both have denied wrongdoing.
In some interviews this month, agents specifically asked whether Bore never promoted anyone who was not qualified for a position in exchange for cooperation in what he wanted to door demoted anyone for refusing to cooperate, The Oklahoman was told.
Agents also asked in some interviews about Bore n' s drinking, a party years ago at his official OU residence and fishing trips.
Henry said two agents interviewed him in person Jan. 13 for about 90 minutes.
The Democrat, who was first elected governor in 2002, said he told the agents “I never saw him do anything inappropriate nor did he ever do anything inappropriate toward me.”
Virgin, D-Norman, said one agent interviewed her in person Jan. 6 for 30 to 40 minutes. She said she t old the agent “I don't have any
firsthand knowledge of anything.”
Castiglione, who was hired by Boren in 1998, declined comment.
Boren, a Democrat, is a former governor and U.S. senator who became president at OU in 1994. He retired in 2018 after nearly 24 years in charge there. In June, he gave up his title of president emeritus and ended any further official affiliation with the university.
Cutting all ties with OU brought to a close a personnel matter against him that arose because of the sexual misconduct allegations. A law firm hired by the university investigated for months, identifying six men who gave accounts of encounters with Boren.
“I was tempted to pursue a continued battle to protect my reputation and demonstrate that I was innocent of any wrongdoing,” Boren said in a statement in June.
Boren a nd hi s wife, Molly, have been married more than 40 years.
He and his attorney have repeatedly accused his successor, Jim Gallogly, of instigating the personnel investigation to destroy his legacy. Gal log ly, who retired as president in May, has called that a “false narrative” and said “the university was required by law to commence an investigation.”
About the new round of interviews, Boren's attorney, Clark Brewster, said last week “we certainly understand ... that sometimes the authorities go to great lengths to make sure that there is no truth to any kind of accusation.”
“We know — because we live with the truth — when all is said and done, David will be vindicated and there will be no issues. And we're very anxious for that day to come,” Brewster said.
The flurry of OSBI activity comes as state prosecutors prepare to empanel a new multicounty grand jury to assist in investigations of corruption, murder and other wrongdoing.
The new grand jury could begin hearing testimony, possibly about Boren, in February or March.