Prison time likely for former Oklahoma Senate leader

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A former leader of the Oklahoma Senate convicted of bribery is expected to be sentenced to serve some time in prison after a federal appeals court found his initial sentence of probation too lenient.

Former Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan is scheduled to be resentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City.

Federal prosecutors have recommended a prison sentence between 41 and 51 months, arguing the bribery conviction is more serious because of Morgan’s position of power.

Morgan’s attorney wrote in court filings that a sentence of months, not years, is sufficient.

The Stillwater Democrat was found guilty of taking a $12,000 bribe in exchange for his influence on legislation. Morgan maintains any money he took was payment for legal work.