Oklahoma AG Exonerates Former Cabinet Secretary Ostrowe

Oklahoma's attorney general issued a letter to a former state cabinet secretary, exonerating him of any wrongdoing related to 2020 charges brought against him.

In a letter to David Ostrowe, Attorney General Gentner Drummond says that former AG Mike Hunter "failed to adhere to necessary protocols to avoid any appearance of impropriety," adding that Hunter should have disqualified himself.

Charges against Ostrowe for allegedly bribing an officer were dismissed in 2021. Ostrowe has since sued the state, naming Hunter, the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Charles Prater, Clark Jolley, and Steve Burrage.

Related Story: Former Cabinet Secretary Ostrowe Sues State

In his letter to Ostrowe, Drummond wrote:

"I believe the failure affected the credibility of evidence presented to the Grand Jury and compromised the integrity of the Office of Attorney General. I recognize the hardship this has placed on you and your family. I sincerely apologize to you on behalf of the State of Oklahoma. Further, I have instructed my office to convert the dismissal of this matter into a dismissal with prejudice. This should be interpreted as my belief that you committed no wrongdoing and as such should not be subject to any further legal action pertaining to the charges."

The case against him was dismissed when Hunter suddenly resigned from his post in 2021, citing personal matters.