Leading Oklahoma Democrat resigns following attempt to settle Ethics Commission with a counterfeit check

Oklahoma Lawmaker Resigns Following Forgery Charges

An Oklahoma Democrat has stepped down after being discovered trying to submit a forged check to the state’s ethics commission.

Ajay Pittman, who represents part of Oklahoma City, announced her resignation on Wednesday after admitting guilt to felony charges related to the forgery. She was nearing the end of her fourth term in office.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time issues like this have surfaced. The Democratic Party had previously agreed to pay $12,000 in restitution and fines for similar infractions in 2020 and 2022.

According to Oklahoma’s Attorney General Gentner Drummond, part of Pittman’s consequence includes her resignation. “By stepping aside,” Pittman said, “I think I can serve my district more effectively without distractions. Leadership involves knowing when to close a chapter gracefully.”

She faced multiple charges: violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act, forgery, and embezzlement linked to campaign finances. In October, investigators had raided her office.

Drummond stated that Pittman had forged checks meant for the Oklahoma Ethics Commission as a means to evade repayment of campaign funds.

“Public servants carry a significant trust from the people,” a statement issued by Drummond indicated. “When that trust is breached for personal benefit, it fundamentally undermines our institution. We will hold accountable any elected officials who misuse their power and betray the public’s trust. No one is above the law in Oklahoma.”

In addition, Pittman received a seven-year suspended sentence and is required to repay the full amount of the campaign funds she is accused of misappropriating.