Embattled Senator Replaced On Leadership Team
Oklahoma Sen. Rick Brinkley replaced on Senate leadership team
By BARBARA HOBEROCK and CURTIS KILLMAN World staff writers
OKLAHOMA CITY — Embattled state Sen. Rick Brinkley resigned from his leadership positions in the upper chamber on Monday.
Allegations that Brinkley, R-Owasso, embezzled money from his former employer, the Better Business Bureau of Tulsa, are being investigated by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The investigation comes at the request of Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler, who has said the OSBI notified him of allegations and asked for authorization to investigate.
Brinkley has denied wrongdoing.
The organization filed a lawsuit against Brinkley on Friday seeking to recover more than $1 million. The suit alleges that he used the money for personal expenses and to support his gambling. Brinkley did not respond to a request for comment.