Rep. Ty Burns pleaded guilty Thursday to misdemeanor charges of domestic abuse and assault and announced he will step down from his role as a House budget subcommittee chair.
Burns received a one-year suspended sentence for incidents involving family members in November 2024 and April 2025. Pawnee County District Judge Patrick Pickerill ordered the sentence to run concurrently for each count and required Burns to complete a Batterers Intervention Program. The case was prosecuted by the office of Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond after the local district attorney recused.
“These are serious charges,” Drummond said. “While there is no excuse for domestic violence, I am encouraged that the representative has taken responsibility for his actions and will receive counseling under terms of his sentence. Domestic violence is tragically all too common in our state. It must stop.”
In a statement, Burns said he has entered a year-long intervention program and is also seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
“I know I must do better for myself and my family,” he said. “I deeply regret what occurred and am prepared to be held accountable for my actions.”
Burns added that he will step down as chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee to focus on his family and legislative duties. He has been in the Oklahoma House since 2018.
