By Nolan Clay Staff Writer nclay@oklahoman.comA former leader of the state House of Representatives was charged Friday with 44 criminal counts and sued by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission after his travel expenses came under investigation. Gus Blackwell, R-Laverne, is accused in the criminal case of embezzling $23,741 in campaign funds. He also is accused of making four false per diem claims against the state for overnight stays that didn't happen and committing perjury on eight campaign reports. The former pastor is accused in the Ethics Commission civil action of misusing campaign funds, failing to report all of his contributions and expenses, knowingly filing false campaign reports and submitting faked documents during the investigation to try to cover up his wrongdoing. “We believe that there may be other lawmakers who have engaged in the same behavior, and I encourage them to self-report with the Ethics Commission in an attempt to mitigate their exposure,” Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said after filing the charge. Blackwell denied wrongdoing. “Mr.Read more on NewsOK.com

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