Two high-profile leaders find themselves under investigation by Oklahoma Ethics Commission

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — News 4 has confirmed one of the leaders in question is State Superintendent Ryan Walters.

The Ethics Commission says it's looking into possible allegations he violated campaign finance rules.

According to a subpoena obtained by News 4, the Ethics Commission authorized a formal investigation in October 2024 based upon "reasonable cause to believe that one or more" ethics rules "had been violated."

The other official under investigation is Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett.

According to the Ethics Commission, it's for an "alleged conflict of interest."

Hiett made headlines recently over accusations he groped a man while he was drunk at a conference in Minnesota in June 2024.

Hiett has said he does not remember the incident but that he would take steps to deal with his alcohol abuse.

Late last year, the State Supreme Court denied a request by three Republican lawmakers who sought to have Hiett barred from voting on cases before the Corporation Commission.

Justice Dana Kuehn said the Ethics Commission would be a better forum to make a request for disqualifying Hiett.