Former Oklahoma legislator opens up about son’s arrest

NORMAN — Former U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook said Saturday his 33-year-old son who was arrested this week is dealing with depression and "a cycle of improper behavior.”

Chad Allen Istook faces six charges in Cleveland County District Court of false impersonation, knowingly concealing stolen property and four traffic-related offenses, including driving under revocation. Istook was charged Wednesday, a day after his arrest by University of Oklahoma police.

According to a court affidavit, he was stopped by an officer for allegedly driving past a stop sign. Istook reportedly told the officer that he was Ernest Istook III, but the officer learned the man was Chad Istook, the vehicle he was driving was reported stolen and there were two warrants for his arrest.

Ernest Istook, the former Oklahoma City Republican congressman, and his wife, Judy, said in a joint statement Saturday that their son was not impersonating him, but used the name of his other son, Ernest James Istook III.

The statement read: "Our son Chad has wonderful abilities but unfortunately is in a cycle of improper behavior and depression. Overzealous media attention is making it harder for him to escape this cycle. We have made extensive private efforts to help Chad. We love him dearly. We also recognize that sometimes even loved ones must experience the consequences of their mistakes. More than anything, Chad deserves everyone’s prayers and we ask people to pray for him.”

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Former Oklahoma legislator opens up about son’s arrest