The country is becoming so partisan it's starting to feel like a revolution...a revolting revolution at that.
QuoteProsecutors seek extended prison time for ex-senator
Federal prosecutors called on a judge Friday to sentence former Senate leader Mike Morgan to a significant, lengthy prison term to deter other public officials from being "tempted by corruption."
Morgan, 57, of Stillwater, faces up to 10 years in prison on his bribery conviction. He is seeking probation and still claims that he is innocent.
The sentencing has not been scheduled.
Prosecutors argued to U.S. District Judge Robin Cauthron that any substantial show of leniency, especially probation, "would signal to the public that government authorities will tolerate elected officials who compromise their democratic duties."
"It would also lead future corrupt public officials to think that if they can amass enough goodwill and power, they will not face serious punishment if their corruption is unmasked," Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Williams and Vicki Behenna wrote in a 51-page sentencing memo.
In March, jurors found Morgan, a Democrat, guilty of accepting $12,000 in bribes from an Edmond company that operated assisted-living centers.
In their sentencing memo, prosecutors publicly allege for the first time that Morgan actually accepted almost $550,000 in bribes from five "clients" in exchange for legislative assistance.
They allege that Morgan, an attorney, disguised the payments as legal fees.
More than 400 Morgan supporters have written the judge letters asking for leniency.
- NOLAN CLAY, The Oklahoman
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