Former Governor Testifies In Terrill Bribery Trial

Former Gov. Brad Henry testified on Wednesday in the bribery trial for former Oklahoma lawmaker Randy Terrill.

Wednesday, October 23rd 2013, 8:18 pm

By: News 9


Former Gov. Brad Henry testified on Wednesday in the bribery trial for former Oklahoma lawmaker Randy Terrill.

Henry is one of several high-profile witnesses expected to testify during the trial. Henry told the court he knows the defendant, Randy Terrill, very well, in fact he considers Terrill a friend and that made it difficult to testify.

"I'm going to tell the truth as I know it and the chips will fall where they may," Henry said.

Prosecutors charged Terrill for allegedly orchestrating a political bribery scheme to free up a senate seat for his friend, State Rep. Mike Christian.

10/23/2013 Related Story: Former Governor Testifies In Bribery Trial

Terrill maintains his innocence, although, he is accused of bribing former State  Sen. Debbie Leftwich with an $80,000 a-year job at the medical examiner's office in exchange for Leftwich's promise not to seek re-election in 2010.

"At $80,000 a year, I just felt like that was wholly unnecessary," Henry testified. "Especially given the budget constraints that we had"

Henry vetoed the bill that would have created the job that Terrill allegedly offered Leftwich.

"I was aware at that time there was a criminal investigation underway and I was aware of the allegations and I just felt it in totality that it was best to veto the bill", Henry said.

The Governor also testified to hearing rumors around Capitol. The Defense the argued the case is based on rumors.

"I guess the jury will have to make that determination," Henry remarked.

His testimony followed Rep. Mike Christian.

"The legislature is a lot like high school," Christian told the jury the Capitol is full of rumors and cliques.

Christian agreed when asked by prosecutors , he considered former Rep. Randy Terrill to be his mentor at the Capitol.

10/21/2013 Related Story: Jury Selection Underway For Ex-Lawmaker In Oklahoma

Christian testified Terrill told him to keep his mouth shut about Leftwich not running for another term and claimed Leftwich also asked him to keep quiet or "she would get in trouble."

Defense attorneys contended Christian never heard Terrill bribe Leftwich and Christian agreed.

"I would have been the first to cry foul," said Christian.

Christian is not charged in the bribery scheme. Several notable politicians are also expected to testify including former House Speaker Chris Benge, and Former Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee. The prosecution and defense declined to comment during the trial. Judge Troung  has said the trial could take two weeks. 

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