Ralph Shortey was an Oklahoma state senator and the state chair for the 2016 Donald Trump campaign. A culture warrior, he pushed the birther conspiracy about Obama and tried to pass a bill that would deny immigrants any civil rights.
He was also sending and receiving child pornography and trafficking children. He met them online and offered to pay. He was caught when he had a young boy in a motel room and the boy’s father called for a welfare check.
The day after the arrest, he posted a picture with Donald Trump, Jr. on Facebook, “Was honoured to have lunch today with Donald Trump Jr. and some very influential and passionate bsiness leaders in our state,” Shortey wrote. “Loved hearing the war stories from the campaign trail and what the next phase is in restoring our republic. Looking forward to an exciting future and hope to be a big part of it.” (Daily Beast)
- Daily Beast: Trump Backer Allegedly Texted Teen Boy: ‘Interested in Some Sexual Stuff?’
- NBC News: Former Oklahoma senator sentenced to 15 years on child sex trafficking charge.
- Dept of Justice: Former Oklahoma senator ordered to pay $125,000 to child victim.
16 March 2017
1 Dec 2017