The State of Oklahoma is looking to shut down the operations of a Seminole businessman and former mayoral candidate over unpaid taxes.

On July 15, the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) filed a petition in Seminole County District Court seeking injunctive relief against Lee Randle, dba Seminole Discount Spirits and Wine.

According to the petition, Randle owes approximately $22,619.27 on active tax warrants dating as far back as 2018 and has continued business operations despite the violations. The petition alleges that Randle has collected sales taxes on behalf of the state but failed to remit them in accordance with law.

“The Oklahoma Tax Commission requests an order enjoining Defendant from operating for failure to file and pay reports and/ or returns as required by Oklahoma law,” the petition states. “When state-imposed taxes go unpaid and/ or corresponding returns are not filed, the Oklahoma Tax Commission may initiate injunction proceedings against the delinquent party until said obligations have been satisfied.”

In addition, the petition states that the “total amount due and owing will not be known until Defendant files all returns as required by law, or alternatively, the State elects to assess Defendant for the unfiled returns. The Oklahoma Tax Commission reserves its right to issue further tax warrants against Defendant for current and future indebtedness.”

The petition also requests: That Defendant and their representatives be restrained and enjoined, whether acting directly or indirectly, from destroying, erasing, falsifying, writing over, mutilating, concealing, altering, transferring, or otherwise disposing of, in any manner, documents, including electronically stored materials that relate to: the business, business practices, assets, or business or personal finances of any Defendant unless expressly approved by this Court; That all necessary actions be maintained against Defendant to collect the full amount of indebtedness, together with interest and penalties, and for the costs of this action; The Court issue an order enjoining and restraining Defendant’s transfer, disposition, or concealment of any money or property belonging to Defendant or the State of Oklahoma without prior approval; and Notice be affixed to Defendant’s business entrance(s) upon being enjoined from operation.

The petition was filed by Marina T. Wise, an attorney for the OTC.

Randle, who ran two unsuccessful bids for Mayor of Seminole in 2019 and 2021, was arrested in September of 2022 on charges of grand larceny. The arrest stemmed from allegations that Randle had ordered and directed his son, Anthony Randle and another man, James Craighead, to take several items from a vacant house. The list of items included pre-hung doors, storm windows, a bed frame, a vanity with a faucet and a 55-gallon hot water heater. Randle entered a plea of no contest and the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor and he received a six-month deferred sentence. Anthony Randle and Craighead were not arrested or charged with any crimes in relation to the incident.

In 2013, Randle was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, delivery of a dangerous synthetic substance and possession of a dangerous synthetic substance. That case was ultimately dismissed.

Randle is associated with multiple properties around Seminole, including the Grisso Extended Stay Motel and the Bumpy Brick Bar and Grill, the latter of which has been closed for several years.

When Randle ran for mayor in 2021, he made the following campaign statement on social media: “A successful mayor possesses good leadership qualities and has the ability to attract business and jobs interest. I believe I possess those qualities. We need a fresh new dynamic leader who can harness our momentum. We cannot afford more of the same the same people, the same characters, the same ideas with no new solutions. I am a careful decision maker able to hear all sides and make informed decisions. I am an entrepreneur with several successful businesses. I want to create a place where people want to live, work, learn, and play. I just want to make a difference in the city I love.”