At any time during a formal investigation or at the conclusion of a formal investigation, the Commission may:
(1) Terminate the investigation and take no further action;
(2) Authorize the Executive Director to cause the individual or individuals or entity alleged to have violated these Rules to be prosecuted in the District Court of the county where the violation of these Rules is alleged to have occurred by filing a civil petition as provided by the Constitution and laws of the State of Oklahoma; or
(3) Offer a settlement agreement as provided by Article XXIX, Section 4 of the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma. Should a settlement agreement not be consummated, the Commission may authorize a prosecution to be commenced as provided in Subsection (2) of this Rule.
If a prosecution or a settlement agreement is authorized prior to conclusion of a formal investigation, the Commission may continue the investigation. Termination of a formal investigation as provided in Subsection (1) of this Rule shall not bar reopening the same investigation based upon newly discovered evidence or other good cause. In no event shall the Commission authorize the prosecution of a civil lawsuit in the District Court until any person who is alleged to have violated these Rules has had an opportunity to respond in writing to allegations of any violation. Such person shall be given notice of the allegations in writing and shall have twenty (20) days in which to file a written response. Upon application, such person shall be granted no more than one extension of twenty (20) additional days in which to file a response. Any additional response shall be granted at the exclusive discretion of the Commission. Failure to respond shall be deemed an admission of the allegations. Such person and/or an attorney representing such person also shall be granted an opportunity to personally appear before the Commission to make an oral response, provided such response is within the time frame provided for a written response.
Promulgated by Ethics Commission January 10, 2014; effective upon Legislature’s sine die adjournment May 23, 2014; operative January 1, 2015.