Former Cabinet Member To Sue Oklahoma Attorney General's Office For Damages

A former Stitt cabinet member announced Thursday he plans to sue the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General for $60 million in damages. 

David Ostrowe said his lawsuit will expose corruption within the AG’s office under former Attorney General Mike Hunter.

Ostrowe said Hunter leveraged his position to retaliate against him for political gain. 

Ostrowe joined Gov. Kevin Stitt’s cabinet in 2018.

He was the only cabinet secretary working the position full-time without pay. 

In a notice filed Thursday, Ostrowe is seeking $60 million in damages for reputational harm, emotional distress, lost wages and business opportunities.

Ostrowe was indicted in December 2020 for bribery by a multicounty grand jury. He said it was used wrongfully by Hunter. 

The attorney general's office dropped their charges against Ostrowe several days after Hunter resigned as attorney general.

Ostrowe alleged the timing of the dropped charges indicates he was maliciously prosecuted by Hunter. 

In Thursday’s notice, Ostrowe claimed “Hunter weaponized the AG Office for self-advancement no matter what the cost.” 

In a response to the filing, the Office of the Attorney General released a statement and said, ”Concerns regarding Ostrowe's conduct were referred to our office and investigated in accordance with our duties. That process and decisions regarding this matter have been addressed in earlier comments…”

Hunter’s attorneys issued a statement over the phone with News 9 in response to the filing. 

Attorney Bob Nance referenced the attorney general’s statement and said that office’s response was completely dispositive as to Ostrowe’s allegations.

Nance did not clarify his statement for News 9.

More tort claims against several other parties involved in the 2020 indictment are expected.