By Janelle Stecklein | Editor
“He has cooperated with the Commission’s investigation and will continue to do so. It should be noted that Rep. Williams does not receive compensation from any nonprofit corporation and has not benefited financially from any of his service with any nonprofit organization, nor has he benefited financially from any interaction with a state agency.” - David Herber of accusations that state Rep. Danny Williams improperly used his elected office for his own personal benefit
Rep. Danny Williams, R-Seminole, speaks to the House Rules Committee meeting Sept. 24, 2026 at the state Capitol ahead of a vote to censure him as well as recommend that he resign and end his bid for reelection following allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)
By Emma Murphy
A Republican state lawmaker is now being investigated for allegedly misusing his elected position to support a for-profit business and two nonprofits, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission announced Thursday.
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission said it is investigating state Rep. Danny Williams, R-Seminole, for violations of state ethics rules for misusing his office and authority and lacking the impartiality required of a state officer, according to a redacted copy of the allegations made public Thursday. The Ethics Commission’s investigation is unrelated to a separate House inquiry into Williams’ conduct.
The investigation is ongoing, but the Commission has identified “substantial evidence” suggesting that Williams used his office to improperly advance his personal, financial and organizational interests, said Lee Anne Bruce Boone, executive director of the Ethics Commission, in a statement.
Former U.S. Rep. Peter Deutsch speaks to the Statewide Charter School Board on Jan. 12 in Oklahoma City to present an application to open an online Jewish charter school in Oklahoma. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)
By Nuria Martinez-Keel
A first-in-the-nation Jewish charter school seeking to open in Oklahoma expects to enroll only 10 students — far short of original projections — in its first year of operation, according to an email the school’s leading founder sent to local faith leaders.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court chamber is pictured Dec. 7, 2023. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice)
By Barbara Hoberock
A divided Oklahoma Supreme Court has invalidated a proposed state question that sought to eliminate property taxes in three years.
ICYMI
UPCOMING EVENTS
Oklahoma Voice staff will participate in the following events:
2:30 p.m. Oct. 23, Tulsa Central Library. Editor Janelle Stecklein will participate in a panel discussing how to cover state government. Host: Oklahoma Local News Summit
2:45 p.m. Oct. 27, Omni Hotel in Oklahoma City. Education reporter Nuria Martinez-Keel will moderate a panel about the impact of the state’s tax credit voucher program at The Oklahoma Education Policy Conference. Host: University of Oklahoma
If you're interested in having us talk in your town, email Janelle Stecklein at [email protected]
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