OKLAHOMA: Republican State Senator Found With Teen Male Prostitute Offered Cash For “Sexual Stuff”

The Oklahoman reports:

An Oklahoma state senator offered money to a teenage boy for “sexual stuff” and was found with him in a hotel room that reeked of “raw marijuana,” authorities said. State Sen. Ralph Shortey, 35, and the teenager admitted to police they had engaged in conversations “pertaining to sexual activities in exchange for money,” a police detective wrote in a court affidavit for a search warrant.

Details about electronic communications between Shortey and the teenager were captured on the teenager’s Kindle tablet that was taken into evidence, police said. The conversation started with the boy asking Shortey, “Is there anything I can help you do some cash?”

Shortey, using the screen name “Jamie Tilley,” responded: “How much you needing?” “I need money for spring break,” the boy answered. “Tilley” responded, “I don’t really have any legitimate things I need help right now. Would you be interested in ‘sexual’ stuff?”

Police were told the teenage boy had a history of drug abuse and “soliciting himself on Craigslist for sexual conduct.” Police launched the investigation after being called by the boy’s father, who had been contacted by his son’s girlfriend.

She told police that her boyfriend had said he was “going to get paid tonight,” and she feared he might be “involved in illegal drugs.” The girl told investigators she watched him get into a white Jeep Grand Cherokee with a man and she followed them to a Moore Super 8, where they went inside Room 120.

Shortey was Trump’s state campaign chairman during the GOP primary. Yesterday the state Senate voted unanimously to strip Shortey of most of his duties, however he continues to receive his salary and will be permitted to cast votes on pending bills. See the full redacted police report here. The teen is reportedly above the age of consent in Oklahoma. Shortey is married to a woman and has two small children.