Oklahoma City, OK – In a devastating blow to a victim of child sex trafficking, Ralph Allen Lee Shortey has been ordered to pay $125,850.00, the cost of the recommended treatment for the minor he solicited for a commercial sex act.
Shortey, a former Oklahoma State Senator, pleaded guilty to one count of child sex trafficking on November 30, 2017. Specifically, he admitted to soliciting a minor to engage in a commercial sex act on March 8 and 9, 2017. At the time of the offense, Shortey was serving as an Oklahoma State Senator and resigned shortly after his conduct led the Cleveland County District Attorney to charge him with state crimes.
A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Shortey on September 5, 2017, which included three counts relating to child pornography. However, as part of a plea agreement, the United States dismissed these counts.
On September 17, 2018, U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Shortey to 180 months, or fifteen years, in prison, in addition to ten years of supervised release.
On January 31, 2019, the court conducted an evidentiary hearing to determine how much Shortey must pay his victim. Dr. Robyn Cowperthwaite of the University of Oklahoma testified for the United States regarding her assessment of the victim and her recommended course of treatment.
The court ordered Shortey to pay $125,850.00, the cost of the recommended treatment for the minor. This restitution award is part of the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking, including securing resources and restitution for victims.
This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Moore Police Department, with assistance from the Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys K. McKenzie Anderson and Brandon Hale prosecuted the case.
According to the court filings, the victim was identified as a minor who was solicited by Shortey for a commercial sex act. The court’s decision to order Shortey to pay $125,850.00 is a significant step in securing justice for the victim.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of combating human trafficking and securing resources for victims. The court’s order is a testament to the efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors in bringing justice to those affected by this heinous crime.
Ralph Allen Lee Shortey, 52, a former Oklahoma State Senator, was found guilty of child sex trafficking, which includes soliciting a minor for a commercial sex act and producing child pornography.
He was sentenced to 180 months, or fifteen years, in prison and ordered to pay $125,850.00 to the victim.
Defendant: Ralph Allen Lee Shortey, Exact Date: March 8-9, 2017, City and State: Oklahoma City, OK, Sentence: 180 months (15 years) in prison, $125,850.00 restitution, Exact Criminal Charges: Child sex trafficking, Child pornography, Crime Date: March 8-9, 2017, Outcome: 180 months (15 years) in prison, $125,850.00 restitution.
Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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