A Claremore man is in custody after state investigators say he made violent threats against Gov. Kevin Stitt and Attorney General Gentner Drummond, turning a local motel into the scene of a midweek arrest.
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents, working with Claremore police, tracked the suspect to a motel in Claremore on Wednesday and took him into custody. Officials say he was booked into the Rogers County jail on complaints that include threatening an act of violence and violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. Authorities identified the suspect as 52-year-old William Rasmussen, and the OSBI says its investigation is still underway.
According to News 9, OSBI agents arrested Rasmussen on June 3 after locating him at the Claremore motel. The agency told the outlet he was booked into the Rogers County Jail on complaints that included threatening an act of violence and violating the state computer-crimes law. News 9 also reports Rasmussen contacted the Oklahoma State Banking Department in May with a complaint about a Claremore bank.
Charges and the law
Officials say Rasmussen faces complaints under state statutes including the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. That law makes it unlawful to willfully access, damage or disclose computer systems or data and can carry felony penalties in certain cases; for example, 21 O.S. §1958 criminalizes using computer access to violate other statutes and includes felony penalties. For the statutory language, see Justia.
Previous allegations and what investigators say
News 9 reports OSBI agents told reporters Rasmussen had previously been arrested after threatening to destroy the Rogers County courthouse. Investigators also say he told agents he believed money had been stolen from his account while he was incarcerated. OSBI says the probe is ongoing and that additional details may be released as the investigation develops.
What comes next
Rasmussen was booked into the Rogers County jail, and any formal charges will be decided after prosecutors review the OSBI's investigation. Local officials did not immediately release bond information or a court date. For contact details and booking procedures, see the Rogers County jail listing at JailExchange.
