Edmond police released body‑camera footage of Oklahoma Secretary of State Benjamin Lepak’s arrest on Friday evening at a local McDonald’s. Officers approached the official after observing his slurred speech, the smell of alcohol and an unsteady gait.
Interaction with officers
One officer asked Lepak what he had been doing that day. Lepak replied, “I went to church tonight, actually.” The officer followed up with a sarcastic, “A lot of communion?” and then asked, “Why are you slurring your words? You’re off balance. Clearly intoxicated. What’s going on?”
Lepak told the officer he had consumed less than one beer, saying, “Actually, I had less than that because I didn’t finish it.” The officer repeated, “Less than one beer?” Lepak confirmed, adding, “Yeah.” The officer noted Lepak’s wobbling and slurred speech, and Lepak insisted, “No… I did not have more than that.”
Arrest and charges
After the exchange, the officer informed Lepak that he was under arrest for public intoxication and added, “You’re lucky it’s not a DUI. Do you understand?” Lepak responded, “No, I don’t.” When pressed further, Lepak asked, “What have I done wrong?” The officer answered, “Drunk in public, and you drove here.” Lepak was cited for public intoxication, and investigators indicated they may pursue additional charges if further evidence emerges.
Attorney General’s response
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a statement demanding that Governor Kevin Stitt remove Lepak from office. Drummond cited the body‑camera footage as evidence that Lepak was “thoroughly inebriated” and likely misled officers about how much he drank and how his vehicle arrived at the scene. Drummond also referenced a prior arrest involving Lepak, noting that Lepak had been found unconscious in a running vehicle a few years earlier.
“Given the fact that Mr. Lepak had been arrested just a few years ago after being found unconscious in a running vehicle, Gov. Stitt should have known better than to elevate him to such a senior leadership position,” Drummond said. “Gov. Stitt has made countless errors in judgment during his tenure, including most recently when he intervened to help a campaign donor avoid further jail time. He cannot undo those past mistakes, but he can help our state avoid further embarrassment by firing Mr. Lepak immediately.”
Next steps
A spokesperson for Lepak indicated that the secretary will address the ticket through the legal process. The incident adds to ongoing scrutiny of state officials’ conduct and raises questions about the governor’s appointment decisions.
The body‑camera video has been posted online for public viewing, allowing residents of Edmond and the broader Oklahoma community to see the interaction in its entirety.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
