NORMAN, Okla. (KOKH) — A candidate for Oklahoma attorney general says he returned $3,500 in campaign contributions following a scathing grand jury report regarding alleged favoritism in a high-profile drunk driving case.
On Feb. 7, 2023, Sara Polston was intoxicated and speeding through residential intersections when she hit 20-year-old Micaela Borrego’s vehicle. Borrego’s car was launched off the road and collided into the outer brick wall of a house.
Just four seconds prior to impact, Polston’s vehicle data revealed she was driving at 66 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone. Polston’s blood alcohol content was almost double the legal limit.
Borrego suffered extensive and permanent injuries as a result of the crash. She spent two months in a coma and suffered a stroke, which may shorten her life expectancy by 10 years.
The grand jury investigation followed Sara Polston’s controversial release from prison to the GPS program after she served just 73 days of an eight-year sentence for causing an accident resulting in great bodily injury while driving under the influence of alcohol.
The case drew scrutiny because Polston and her husband, Rod Polston, made major contributions to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s campaigns.
During a recorded phone call between the couple, Rod Polston mentioned he could get special treatment from Jon Echols because of his connection.
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Echols said the grand jury reviewed his actions and found he was not involved.
“The grand jury looked at everything I did. The grand jury correctly found I didn’t lift a finger. I didn’t have a thing to do with the Polston case. I had already returned the money from Sarah Polston when I found out about the drunk driving incident. And ladies and gentlemen, be as blunt as I know how to be, I don’t want that kind of money. I don’t want to have it,” Echols said.
As a result of the crime, Echols said he returned a $3,500 campaign donation from Polston.
Echols also criticized Stitt and his opponent, Oklahoma Department of Corrections Executive Director Jeffery Starling, and said Starling should return any money from Stitt.
