Oklahoma State Rep. Ty Burns has been handed a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to charges involving domestic abuse and assault, as reported by the Oklahoma Attorney General's office. Burns, who represents House District 35, received one-year suspended sentences for one misdemeanor count of domestic abuse and two misdemeanor counts of assault, to be served concurrently, according to a release on the Oklahoma Attorney General's website. The case stems from two separate incidents, one in November 2024 and another on April 25, 2025, involving family members of the representative.
The charges brought against Burns were picked up by Attorney General Gentner Drummond's office after the Pawnee County District Attorney recused himself from the case. "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," as stated by the Oklahoma Attorney General.
Pawnee County District Judge Patrick Pickerill was responsible for sentencing Burns. The conditions of Burns's sentence include undergoing a Batterer's Intervention Program, which is designed to prevent future domestic violence and teach healthier ways to manage conflicts. Rep. Burns, who has served since 2018, has yet to make a public statement regarding his sentencing or his plans moving forward in his role as a state representative, as per the Oklahoma Attorney General.
