Oklahoma Secretary of State Benjamin Lepak’s Arrest Sparks Controversy

Recently released police bodycam footage reveals the arrest of Benjamin Lepak, Oklahoma’s Secretary of State, by Edmond police on suspicion of public intoxication. The incident occurred late Friday night, outlined in an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital.

Police responded to reports of a man appearing intoxicated in public at around 10:45 p.m. They discovered Lepak near a McDonald’s drive-thru window with his vehicle parked nearby, matching his confirmation of ownership. Officers reported Lepak’s speech as ‘extremely slurred’ and detected an alcohol odor on his breath. He also struggled to retrieve his ID from his wallet.

In footage shared by Fox News Digital, police questioned Lepak about his activities that evening, including the amount of alcohol he consumed. Lepak stated he attended a gathering at a church with other fathers earlier in the night. Despite police claims of his instability, Lepak contested that he was not unsteady.

According to the affidavit, Lepak demonstrated difficulties maintaining a coherent train of thought. While speaking with officers, he admitted to having consumed a beer but maintained it was not finished. Conflicting statements were also noted regarding how he traveled to the McDonald’s.

A spokesperson for Lepak explained that he was outside the restaurant awaiting his dinner, mentioning no breathalyzer test was conducted. ‘Mr. Lepak will address the ticket through the legal process,’ the statement read.

The incident has led Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond to demand Lepak’s dismissal by Republican Governor Kevin Stitt. Drummond described Lepak’s conduct as ‘thoroughly unbecoming’ of his high-ranking position. He criticized the governor’s decision to appoint Lepak, citing a previous arrest where Lepak was found unconscious in a running vehicle.

Drummond urged Governor Stitt to rectify this decision to prevent further embarrassment, citing numerous prior judgment errors by the governor. Stitt named Lepak as Secretary of State in October 2025, following roles as his general counsel and executive director of the State Chamber Research Foundation.