Former councilman pleads guilty to tax evasion

Former Oklahoma City Councilman John Pet tis pleaded guilty Wednesday to a misdemeanor count of failing to file state tax returns and was put on probation for five years.

Pettis agreed to pay a $5,000 fine as part of an arrangement with prosecutors. He also agreed to not seek public office Pettis again and to

never be in a position to control public money, Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said.

He has paid all back taxes and filed all past due tax returns, Prater said.

Pettis, 35, resigned as Ward 7 councilman in May 2018 — a seat he held since 2013 — after being charged in Oklahoma County District Court with three felony counts of embezzlement and one felony count of intentionally failing to file tax returns for the years 2009 to 2017.

Pettis was accused in the embezzlement counts of converting at least $165,000 from three charities under his control.

Prosecutors alleged Pettis, who was paid $12,000 a year as a council member, lived

for years off donations. The embezzlement counts made no mention of any attempt to improperly influence city business, which had been alleged by some business officials.

Prosecutors dismissed the three embezzlement counts in May because of evidence issues. Prater on Wednesday reduced the remaining felony count to a misdemeanor as part of the plea agreement.

“Two years ago he was facing four serious felonies and today he got a five-year deferred to (a) misdemeanor,” said Mark Henricksen, Pettis' attorney. “He's very pleased to be able to get on with his life, free of a felony. He's in a very good position today.”

Last year, Pet tis made an unsuccessful run for Oklahoma County commissioner, finishing third in the Democratic primary and failing to advance to a runoff for the District 1 position.

On Wednesday, the excouncilman shook Prater's hand and said, “Thank you.”

“At this time, the only comment I have to say is God is good,” he said outside District Judge Timothy Henderson's courtroom.