State Lawmaker Calls for Investigation into OSBI, Aja Johnson Case

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A state lawmaker is calling for an investigation into OSBI and how it handled the disappearance of 7-year old Aja Johnson.

"This agency has been given increases in budgets year after year," said Representative Richard Morrissette. "It's not because of a lack of funding, they can't do their job."

Johnson's mother Tonya Hobbs was found bludgeoned to death in her Geronimo home on January 24. That's the same weekend Johnson went missing. It's believed she was taken by Lester Hobbs, Tonya's estranged husband. A statewide manhunt was underway and an Amber Alert was issued. On March 29, the Hobbs' and Aja's bodies were found in and next to Hobbs' car near Lake Thunderbird in Norman.

Morrissette, a member of the House Public Safety Committee, said the public deserves answers from the OSBI's investigations.

"What we keep hearing and seeing is failed investigations or incomplete investigations as to the perpetrators of these serious crimes," Morrissette said.

Morrissette also pointed to the murders of two Weleetka girls back in June 2008, and the August 2009 homicide of an Anadarko pastor inside her church. In all cases, OSBI was the lead investigator and has yet to make an arrest in either case.

"We need to get some answers from this agency, other than the cries for more and more money," Morrissette said.

A spokeswoman with OSBI said the agency would welcome an investigation by lawmakers.

"I feel our investigative team has done everything possible to try and locate Lester Hobbs and Aja Johnson," said Richard Goss, OSBI-Lawton Bureau.

Regarding the Anadarko and Weleetka murders, the OSBI said those cases remain open.

"There is nothing that an eyewitness could help us with, and we have to go with the leads that are coming in," said Oklahoma State Bureau Spokesperson Jessica Brown.

But Morrissette said he is continuing his call for action.

"We need to get to the bottom of this and find out what's going on at OSBI," Morrissette said.

OSBI said it is willing to talk with Representative Morrissette about any concerns he has with this case and the other cases OSBI is currently investigating.