A longtime critic of the wind industry in the state, Rep. Mark McBride (R-Moore) was targeted by someone using a remote tracking device found under the legislator’s pickup truck.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has opened a probe into the discovery, according to the political website, NonDoc.
McBride indicated he found the tracking device after he was tipped that a private investigator had been contacted about following him. He found the device under his pickup truck after seeing another pickup truck parked near his home.
“I crawl under my truck, and I find this damn thing,” McBride told NonDoc when asked about the lawsuit. “I see this box, and I’m like, ‘What in the hell?’”
Known as a defender of oil-and-gas incentives, the Republican legislator also said a judge granted a subpoena to U.S. Fleet Tracking Services and he learned who purchased the tracking device. McBride would not disclose the identity.
NonDoc reported McBride is one of several lawmakers who believe private investigators followed them in 2017. Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said at least four contacted him about their suspicions.
“We are going to get to the bottom of this,” McBride said. “It’s intimidation. Are they wanting to influence legislation? Is it extortion? What’s the end game? And, of course, you’ve got to have in the back of your mind, ‘Do they want to do you or your family bodily harm?’”