Politics
Oklahoma Ethics Commission Alleges Rep. Danny Williams Used Office for Personal Gain, Sets Thursday Meeting
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission has filed a complaint alleging that newly re-elected Rep. Danny Williams (R-Seminole) used his state office to benefit his family and business interests, including steering grant funds and facilitating contracts. The commission will discuss the investigation at its Thursday morning meeting.
OKLAHOMA CITY â The Oklahoma Ethics Commission will meet Thursday morning to discuss its investigation into state Rep. Danny Williams (R-Seminole), who was recently re-elected less than two months after the House Rules Committee recommended disciplinary action against him over separate misconduct allegations.
In a complaint filed by the commission, investigators allege that Williams used the privileges and authority of his office in ways that may have improperly advanced his personal, financial, or organizational interests. The conduct under scrutiny includes actions affecting the distribution and oversight of state-issued grant funds, involvement in official matters relating to entities with which he maintained personal or professional connections, and the use of state resources or personnel in support of such activities.
"Evidence also indicates that Representative Williams arranged or facilitated official interactions with state agencies concerning services offered by companies in which he had an interest or affiliation," the commission wrote. "These actions reflect the potential use of public office to influence governmental processes for private advantage."
According to the report, Williams used his position to help organizations and businesses he was associated with obtain state and county contracts. The commission alleges violations of Rules 4.4, 4.5, and 4.7, which govern the use of state office for private gain and participation in matters that would raise questions about impartiality.
The complaint lists specific allegations, including that Williams used his state office to endorse a product, service, or enterprise; for the private gain of a family member; for the private gain of persons with whom he is affiliated in a nongovernmental capacity; and for the private gain of persons with whom he seeks business relations. It also alleges that he used his office, title, and authority to coerce or induce others, including subordinates, to provide benefits to himself, his family member, or affiliated persons.
Additionally, the commission alleges that Williams participated in matters related to House of Hope, another business, and OEC, Inc. â including fundraising and promotion â that would cause a reasonable person to question his impartiality. He also participated in matters in which a family member has an interest, according to the complaint.
The report further states that Williams has not been forthright with the commission, hindering its ability to complete the investigation.
The ethics probe is separate from the House investigation into alleged misconduct toward House employees, which House Speaker Kyle Hilbert has said involved sexual harassment. An outside firm interviewed eight current or former employees and reviewed documents in that matter. Williams has since been removed from committee chairmanships, relocated from his Capitol office, and lost access to legislative staff support.
Williams was re-elected to his seat in November, less than two months after the House Rules Committee recommended disciplinary action. The Ethics Commission's Thursday meeting will be the first public discussion of the case since the complaint was filed.