Ex Tulsa Public Works Official Pleads Guilty To Corruption

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- A former city of Tulsa official pleaded guilty Friday morning in Tulsa federal court to public corruption charges.

Albert Martinez, 48, formerly the Field Engineering Manager at the Tulsa Public Works Department, pleaded guilty to bribery conspiracy, mail fraud conspiracy and procurement fraud.

As part of the plea, Martinez agreed to pay the City of Tulsa restitution in the amount of $341,000.

Martinez admitted that he conspired with others to defraud the citizens of Tulsa.

Martinez also admitted in court Friday to accepting bribes from a Tulsa construction company through a scheme involving the submission of inflated invoices.

Additionally, Martinez admitted he accepted a $10,000 bribe to influence him in the approval of city contracts.

Martinez is the second defendant to plead guilty in this public corruption case.

4/7/2009 Related story: Guilty Plea From Former City Of Tulsa Employee

Sentencing for Martinez is set for December 1st, 2009.

Federal officials say Martinez faces a prison sentence of up to 35 years and a fine of $750,000.