Edmond's Rep. Martinez Announces Resignation Following Felony DUI

Representative Ryan Martinez from Edmond has announced that he is resigning from his position in the Oklahoma legislature.

Related: Oklahoma Rep. Martinez Pleads Guilty To Non-Driving DUI Felony Charges

Martinez pleaded guilty to non-driving DUI felony charges in August.

Rep. Martinez will have a one-year deferred sentence with fines and an “interlock device” on his vehicle, according to the plea agreement.

Martinez was arrested in October 2022 after police found him inside of a parked vehicle with the engine running outside an Edmond bar.

Martinez says he will resign from his legislative seat effective September 1.

The full statement from Representative Ryan Martinez can be read below:

"While I have followed the guidance of my legal counsel and a letter from the Office of the Attorney General, there are differing opinions about whether I should remain in office. My intention has been to resign at the appropriate time to allow a representative to be seated for next year’s legislative session.

"With such legal uncertainty, I believe now is that time, so that my neighbors can be represented without distraction. I am therefore resigning my position of state representative for House District 39 effective Sept. 1, 2023.

"I take full responsibility for my mistake and apologize to my family, friends, and constituents who have supported me for the last seven years serving House District 39. I have engaged in court-ordered obligations prior to my plea, and faced my day in court without a conviction. I’m taking accountability for my actions, and making efforts to move forward.

"It has been an honor to serve alongside those who work tirelessly to pass beneficial legislation at the State Capitol, and I hope they will continue standing up against corruption, providing the leadership and vision Oklahomans deserve."