Senator turns himself in on child prostitution charges

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Senator Ralph Shortey turned himself into Cleveland County authorities Thursday after he was caught with a suspected male child prostitute last week.

Many lawmakers, including Governor Mary Fallin, are calling for his immediate resignation.

Sen. Shortey, of Oklahoma City, has already been stripped of many duties after a resolution passed Wednesday in the State Senate.

He’s also been stripped of his volunteer position with a youth program at the YMCA.

A YMCA spokeswoman says she's unaware of any allegations of wrongdoing involving Shortey's work for the program, but the agency is investigating.

The spokesperson says Shortey has been active in the Youth and Government program for 17 years and served as an adult sponsor on several out-of-state trips.

He told reporters he had no comment on the charges but would release a statement later.