Oklahoma Secretary of State Benjamin Lepak Arrested for Public Intoxication

Newly released police bodycam footage obtained by Fox News Digital shows the arrest of Oklahoma Secretary of State Benjamin Lepak, who was apprehended on suspicion of public intoxication outside a McDonald’s. This incident occurred Friday night in Edmond, after officers responded to a call around 10:45 p.m. regarding a man appearing intoxicated in public, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital.

Officers discovered Lepak standing near the restaurant’s drive-thru window with his vehicle present in the parking lot, as noted in the affidavit. Lepak reportedly confirmed that the vehicle was his. The affidavit indicates that an officer observed Lepak displaying “extremely slurred speech” and noticed “an odor of alcoholic beverage” on his breath. Additionally, Lepak had difficulty removing his identification from his wallet.

The body camera footage shows officers interrogating Lepak about his whereabouts, alcohol consumption, and mode of arrival at McDonald’s. Lepak informed officers he had attended a gathering at a church earlier that evening with other fathers. As the officers continued their questioning, Lepak disputed claims of being unsteady on his feet. The police allege that Lepak failed to maintain “a coherent train of thought” during the altercation, as per the affidavit.

Lepak acknowledged drinking beer while speaking with officers. “I had a beer… that’s it,” he stated, according to the affidavit. He later claimed he consumed less than one beer because he did not finish it. Police assert Lepak provided inconsistent statements regarding whether he drove to McDonald’s and his arrival method, according to the affidavit. Officers subsequently arrested Lepak on suspicion of public intoxication.

A spokesperson for Lepak told Fox News Digital that he was awaiting his dinner outside the restaurant and mentioned law enforcement did not administer a breathalyzer test. “Mr. Lepak was waiting outside McDonald’s for dinner. He was not given a breathalyzer test,” the spokesperson explained. “Mr. Lepak will address the ticket appropriately through the legal process.”

The arrest led Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond to urge Republican Governor Kevin Stitt to dismiss Lepak. Drummond’s critique of Stitt extends to the initial appointment of Lepak, especially considering a past arrest involving Lepak found unconscious in a running vehicle.

After reviewing the body camera footage, Drummond stated, “it is clear that Secretary of State Ben Lepak was thoroughly inebriated and very likely lied to law enforcement about how much he had to drink and how he and his car both arrived at the same place without him driving it.” Drummond added, “This conduct is thoroughly unbecoming of a high-ranking state official, and I am demanding that Gov. Stitt fire him immediately.”

Such criticism extends to prior decisions made by Stitt during his tenure, including actions benefiting a campaign donor. Drummond expressed, “He cannot undo those past mistakes, but he can help our state avoid further embarrassment by firing Mr. Lepak immediately.”

Stitt appointed Lepak as Oklahoma Secretary of State in October 2025. Lepak previously held positions as the governor’s general counsel and as executive director of the State Chamber Research Foundation.