Oklahoma Lawmaker Admits Guilt in Domestic Assault, Governor Stitt Demands Immediate Resignation

Oklahoma State Representative Terry O'Donnell, a Republican from Catoosa, has formally pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts stemming from a December 2022 domestic dispute that left his wife and adult daughter injured. The shocking admission of guilt has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with Governor Kevin Stitt publicly calling for O'Donnell's immediate resignation from the state legislature.

O'Donnell, who previously served as the House Speaker Pro Tempore, entered his plea in Rogers County District Court.

The charges he admitted to include one count of domestic assault and battery and two counts of assault and battery. As a result of the plea agreement, O'Donnell received a one-year deferred sentence. This means that if he successfully completes the terms of his probation, the convictions could eventually be removed from his record.

The terms of his sentencing are stringent: O'Donnell is mandated to pay a fine, undergo a comprehensive domestic abuse counseling program, and complete a drug and alcohol assessment.

Furthermore, a crucial element of the agreement dictates that he must have no contact with his wife for a period of six months, unless a licensed counselor is present, underscoring the severity of the incident.

The December 2022 altercation, which occurred at the O'Donnell family home, reportedly escalated from an argument.

Court documents and initial reports detailed a physical confrontation where O'Donnell allegedly caused injuries to both his wife and daughter. The gravity of these actions has sent ripples through the Oklahoma political landscape, raising serious questions about accountability and ethical conduct among public officials.

Governor Stitt's call for O'Donnell's resignation highlights the immense pressure the lawmaker now faces.

"The people of Oklahoma deserve representatives who uphold the highest standards of conduct, both in public and private life," Stitt stated, emphasizing the betrayal of public trust. While O'Donnell previously stepped down from his leadership position as Speaker Pro Tempore following the initial charges, he has, to date, resisted calls to vacate his House seat entirely.

Adding another layer to this complex legal saga, the misdemeanor plea deal also resulted in the dismissal of unrelated felony charges against O'Donnell.

These more serious charges concerned allegations of embezzlement and other crimes linked to his family's tag agency business. The resolution of the domestic assault case, while providing some closure on that front, does not diminish the profound impact it has had on his political career and public standing.

As O'Donnell navigates the terms of his deferred sentence, the political ramifications of his actions continue to unfold.

His future in the Oklahoma House of Representatives remains uncertain, shadowed by a conviction that has shaken public confidence and ignited a broader conversation about integrity and responsibility within state government.