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The Latest: Lawmaker suspects wind industry in spying case

The Latest: Lawmaker suspects wind industry in spying case

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

This December 2017 photo provided by Mark McBride shows what Oklahoma state Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, says is a tracking device that he removed from his truck in Oklahoma. McBride wants to know who put the contraption there and is one of at least five Oklahoma state lawmakers who in recent months asked a prosecutor to investigate claims they have been followed or threatened. (Mark McBride via AP)

OKLAHOMA CITY: The Latest on an Oklahoma lawmaker's discovery of a tracking device affixed to his vehicle (all times local):

5 pm. A Republican lawmaker who discovered a high-tech tracking device affixed to his truck initially told police he suspected someone connected to the wind industry may be responsible. Police in the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore on Wednesday released a report detailing state Rep. Mark McBride's discovery of the tracking device on his vehicle. A longtime supporter of oil and gas and a frequent wind industry critic, McBride told a Moore police officer that he was writing legislation that could negatively affect Oklahoma wind farms. District Attorney David Prater says the tactics could be criminal and that he believes the potential impact of legislation on certain industries could be a motive for 'something a bit nefarious.' Telephone messages left Wednesday with Oklahoma Wind Coalition officials weren't immediately returned. 3:50 pm. A Republican lawmaker's discovery of a magnetic box containing a high-tech tracking device affixed to the bottom of his truck is being investigated by Oklahoma officials, who also revealed that four other GOP legislators have reported concerns they were being followed. The mysterious discovery has stunned Oklahoma's political class, and raised questions about who would spy on lawmakers. Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater described the tactics as 'foolish' and potentially criminal. He vowed an aggressive prosecution if evidence suggests someone was trying to intimidate Rep. Mark McBride, who found the device on his truck. McBride says he found the experience 'unsettling' and believes it is connected to his legislative work. Prater says four other GOP legislators approached him last year with concerns that they were being followed.