Oklahoma Secretary of State detained for alleged public intoxication at McDonald's

Edmond police arrested Oklahoma Secretary of State Benjamin Lepak on Friday night, citing suspicion of public intoxication after officers observed him at a McDonald's drive-through with markedly slurred speech and an odor of alcohol. Lepak struggled to articulate a coherent narrative, referencing a recent church attendance and his intention to eat at the restaurant. According to the police report, he first admitted to drinking a beer, then retracted that statement, claiming he did not finish the drink.

Officers also noted his vehicle was parked in the McDonald's lot, contradicting his later claim that he had not driven there. Lepak, who was appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt in 2025, now faces a misdemeanor charge. The incident adds a negative episode to Oklahoma’s otherwise Republican-dominated political landscape, which has recently been linked to national figures such as former Senator Markwayne Mullin and President Donald Trump.