Oklahoma Rep. Ty Burns, a Republican from Pawnee, has pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of domestic abuse and two misdemeanor counts of assault in incidents involving his family members.
Burns, 46, received a one-year suspended sentence on Thursday, Aug. 28, by Pawnee County District Judge Patrick Pickerell. Prosecutors charged Burns for incidents in November 2024 and April 2025. The representatives will have to complete a year-long batterer's intervention program.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond took on the case after Pawnee County District Attorney Mike Fisher recused himself due to his personal relationship with Burns. Fisher declined to comment on the guilty plea and sentencing.
“These are serious charges,“ Drummond said in a news release. “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.”
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Burns retired from the 45th Infantry Brigade in 2018 after 20 years of service, which included tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In a statement, he said he takes full responsibility for his actions and is receiving treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Burns added that he's stepping down from his role as chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee.
"I know I must do better for myself and my family," Burns said. "I deeply regret what occurred and am prepared to be held accountable for my actions."
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Pawnee, OK, Rep. Ty Burns pleads guilty to domestic abuse, assault
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