August 5, 2025

Henryetta Free Lance
Login Subscribe Advertisers
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
News
May 17, 2019
Rep. Fetgatter addresses controversial comments

District 16 State Representative Scott Fetgatter spoke with the Okmulgee Times to address the controversy surrounding remarks caught on a hot mic earlier this week at the State Capitol. On

District 16 State Representative Scott Fetgatter spoke with the Okmulgee Times to address the controversy surrounding remarks caught on a hot mic earlier this week at the State Capitol. On Monday, while awaiting the start of a press conference by Gov. Kevin Stitt, State Rep. Mark McBride could be heard talking to Rep. Fetgatter. In the conversation, McBride asked Fetgatter, “So you molested this girl after Kannady?” “No,” Rep. Fetgatter said, “I was at the table and allowed it to happen.”

A short time later, Rep. Fetgatter is heard replying, “To be quite honest, I don’t even recall the incident. I don’t recall a video or …. “

The remainder of what was said was not captured.

In an interview Wednesday afternoon, Rep. Fetgatter stated a special counsel is currently investigating Rep. Chris Kannady and Rep. Kevin McDugle on allegations of inappropriate behavior toward an unnamed member of the House. Both Kannady and McDugle deny any wrongdoing.

The investigation has been under way for about three weeks.

Fetgatter himself is not being investigated, even though a blogger/activist alleges Fetgatter witnessed the incident in question.

“I have never in my 2-1/2 years serving here have seen anything that I perceived as sexual harassment,” Fetgatter said. “I have never seen a pornographic video passed around or any activity like that.

“My comment ‘I was sitting at the table and allowed it to happen’ is a direct comment based on the accusation that I was sitting at the table when the sexual assault happen and let it happen. I am quoting the accusation against Kannady and McDugle and me being a wtiness,” Fetgatter said.

The representative stated he believes the investigation should be wrapped up this week.

Fetgatter wants to assure his constituents he does not condone sexual assault of any kind.

On Tuesday, Gov. Stitt signed HB 1881 which was authored by Fetgatter. The bill directs courts to issue orders of no contact to persons sentenced for sex crimes.

A young woman in Fetgatter’s district was sexually molested for years. The person was arrested and sentenced to prison.

In her senior year of high school, the perpetrator sent her a birthday card and other correspondence by mail.

“I ran a law this year as a promise to this young lady that nobody else has to deal with a convicted person of a sex crime reaching out to their victim through mail from prison,” Fetgatter said. “We passed that bill unanimously, signed by the governor yesterday, ironically, when this broke about. So I take sexual crime very, very serious. It pains me at the thought that people think I have trivialized this type of activity, cause that was not the case, or the intent. I was simply answering a question that was directly asked of me, and my response was what this blogger has alleged that I was sitting at the table and allowed it to happen.”

Fetgatter says he is focused on getting several bills passed this session.

“I have been focused even in the midst of allegations and an investigation. I have stayed focused and true to the course that I am here to serve the people of House District 16 and I don’t allow things to distract me from that.

“I understand the seriousness of what was picked up over a hot mic and I understand people are frustrated about it and upset. But, in context, people will understand I meant no harm in what I was saying,” Fetgatter said.

One Donation. Three Lives.
A: Main, Main...
One Donation. Three Lives.
August 2, 2025
Part 1- When Heather Houser talks about blood donation, she’s not reading from a script - she’s speaking as a mother.“My son was born with four holes in his heart,” she said. “He needed two transfusio...
this is a test
Beards, Bags & Brotherhood
A: Main, Main...
Beards, Bags & Brotherhood
August 1, 2025
Henryetta’s Labor Day Weekend just got a lot more exciting with the return of two crowd-favorite events: the 6th Annual Jared Been Memorial Tournament and the popular Oklahoma Beard Lovers Beard Conte...
this is a test
A: Main
Jam-packed Labor Day Celebration approaches
August 1, 2025
From rodeos to parades, ice cream competitions to baby races, Henryetta is pulling out all the stops for its much-anticipated Labor Day Celebration, taking place from Aug. 28 through Sept. 1. This wee...
this is a test
A: Main
Time for School!
August 1, 2025
As the summer winds down, Okmulgee County schools are revving up for the start of the 2025-26 academic year. With school doors opening across the county in early August, families, students and educato...
this is a test
FFFCU a Proud Sponsor of Rodeo
A: Main
FFFCU a Proud Sponsor of Rodeo
August 1, 2025
One of the many sponsors for the upcoming Okmulgee Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo on Aug. 8-9 is First Family Federal Credit Union, who has been a supporter of the event for more years. FFFCU Represen...
this is a test
A: Main
Save Money, Shop Local
August 1, 2025
Okmulgee County residents are gearing up for a wallet-friendly weekend, as Oklahoma’s annual Sales Tax Holiday kicks off Friday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 3. This anticipated tax-free event present...
this is a test

e-Edition
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
07/20/2025
News
07/20/2025
August 1, 2025
2:34 p.m. - Public Service Assistance, Other3:46 p.m. - Gas Leak4:02 p.m. - Lock Out5:30 p.m. - Lock Out8:02 p.m. - Good Intent Call, Other10:54 p.m. - False Alarm or False Call, Other ---
this is a test
Henryetta Lions welcome local business owner
News
Henryetta Lions welcome local business owner
August 1, 2025
Henryetta Lions Club met July 24 at The Shack 2.0 for a meeting full of updates, community outreach plans and a spotlight on one of the club’s own entrepreneurs.Lion Erick Randleman served as Lion of ...
this is a test
Have you treated yourself and your family to that vacation yet?
News
Have you treated yourself and your family to that vacation yet?
August 1, 2025
Time is ticking to squeeze in that summertime vacation with your family. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a weekend getaway, there’s still time to enjoy the outdoors, relax and create la...
this is a test
News
HOROSCOPES
August 1, 2025
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 You’re on fire this week, Aries.Ideas are sparking left and right. Don’t forget to slow down before you burn out.You want to showcase energy without creating chaos.TAURUS – Apr 2...
this is a test
07/20/2025
Public Notices
07/20/2025
August 1, 2025
4:40 a.m. - Hwy 75 - Officer advised they were in pursuit of a suspect headed south at 135 mph on Hwy 75 past Glenpool.9:16 a.m. - 1400 Block N. Kern Ave. - RP advised a female was attempting to move ...
this is a test
Facebook

HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE
208 E. Main Street
Henryetta, OK 74437

918.652.3311

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2022 Henryetta Free-Lance

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy