Hooten Tells News 9 He Will Resign Friday Amid Multiple Allegations, Denies Guilt

Amid allegations of sexual harassment and campaign ethics violations, David Hooten announced his resignation from the office of Oklahoma County Clerk.  

“All the allegations against me are not true. But rather than go through a long, drawn-out trial and drag my family through this, I would rather choose to resign effective tomorrow,” Hooten told News 9 in a phone call Thursday.  

“I've been very proud to represent Oklahoma County and we've done a tremendous job. We have an award-winning county clerk's office and I hope it will continue after I'm gone,” he said.  

Last month, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office opened a criminal investigation into recordings of Oklahoma County Clerk David Hooten. According to a 15-page report, the investigation expanded to include alleged campaign ethics violations.  

According to an April 26 recording obtained by News9, Hooten told three female employees they would be required to attend a work training where, “There will be alcohol involved meaning we will drink, we will do things, we will gamble, we will do a bunch of things some will be fun some will be scary.”  

The Sheriff’s department investigator called the comments “shocking” and “outlandish.”  

"The actions of Mr. Hooten in the workplace are not appropriate and have caused great concern and anxiety for the affected employees," the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s report found.  

The scope of the Sheriff’s investigation into Hooten expanded to include allegedly hiring campaign staffers on the county payroll.  

Attorney Mark Hammons filed a civil lawsuit against Hooten and the county in Oklahoma City federal court on Tuesday. Hammons claims his client, Deputy Clerk Sharon Compise, was one of the women in the April 26 meeting.  

Related: Employees Speak Out After Oklahoma County Clerk Plans Mandatory Training To Include Drinking, Gambling 

“Frankly, that sounds like an invitation to a date rape,” Hammons said referencing Hooten’s statements on the recording. “Think about someone you care about and them being put in a situation like this. I mean how intolerable would that be?”  

Hammons claims in the lawsuit that Compise was fearful that Hooten would sexually assault her if she had gone on the trip.  

District Attorney David Prater declined to file a criminal charge against Hooten related to claims of sexual harassment.  

The OCSO report also included allegations of campaign ethics violations.  

According to the report "It was learned Mr. Hooten has hired people who worked on his political campaign and expected a previous employee to continue campaign duties while being paid by the County and performing in an official capacity for the County."  

The report indicated Garridy Hamilton is currently employed by Hooten in the Clerks office. Hamilton is also listed as the chairperson of Hooten’s state treasurer campaign.  

Hooten is a candidate for Oklahoma State Treasurer. When asked if he planned to continue his campaign, Hooten responded in a text, “Of course!”