Oklahoma Republican faces felony child prostitution charges after cops find him with 17-year-old boy

A state senator in Oklahoma and the former state chair of President Donald Trump's electoral campaign, Ralph Shortey, is facing child prostitution charges and will resign, the Associated Press reported. Shortey was arrested last week when police found him with a 17-year-old boy from at Super 8 Motel.

State prosecutors charged Shortey with engaging in child prostitution, transporting a minor for prostitution and engaging in prostitution within 1,000 feet of a church. He was released on a $100,000 bond.

The state Senate voted on a resolution last week that stripped Shortey of most of his authority, including his ability to serve on Senate committees and author bills. The Senate also took away his office, executive assistant and parking space.

The 35-year-old Republican was involved with teens regularly through the YMCA Youth in government program, according to KFOR-TV, and was a senior staffer at Boys State.

According to the Moore Police Department's redacted report, when police asked Shortey why he was in the motel room, the state senator said "he was just there to hang out with his friend."

Communications through encrypted text messaging apps revealed that Shortey and the 17-year-old discussed sexual conduct.

The Oklahoma Republican Party immediately called for Shortey to resign.

"The Oklahoma Republican Party takes all accusations against elected officials seriously, especially when the welfare of a minor is involved. We have reached out to Senator Shortey for comment and have not heard back from him at this time. We await the report from law enforcement on whether charges will be filed," Pam Pollard, the chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party told the TV station.