Ex-insurance chief wants trial moved

By Nolan Clay
Published: November 9, 2005

Former state Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher is asking a judge to move his trial to Newkirk, Ardmore or Ada.

Fisher, 65, faces trial Feb. 6 in an embezzlement and perjury case.

He is accused of embezzling his campaign funds by depositing a $1,000 state campaign check into his overdrawn personal bank account in 2003. He also is accused of perjury for never disclosing the $1,000 on campaign reports.

His attorney, Robert L. Wyatt IV, argues Fisher cannot get impartial jurors in Oklahoma County because of news coverage.

"The publicity has been intense, massive and unforgettable," the attorney wrote. "It has created animosity toward this defendant."

Prosecutors say moving the trial is unnecessary. Judge Susan Caswell will consider the defense request Nov. 21.

Judges rarely agree to move trials out of Oklahoma County. One exception was when bombing accomplice Terry Nichols' trial was moved to McAlester.

Fisher, a Tulsa Democrat, resigned last year rather than face an ouster action in the state Senate.

Fisher also wants the judge to dismiss his bribery case because he claims he is being selectively prosecuted. Prosecutors dispute he was singled out.

Fisher is accused in the bribery case of accepting a $25,000 check and other gifts from Texas businessman Gene E. Phillips, his family and business associates in exchange for favorable treatment.

Fisher claims the $25,000 check was a loan.

Fisher's attorney specifically questions why a state grand jury never investigated former Gov. Frank Keating for accepting more than $200,000 from New York financier Jack Dreyfus.

Keating returned $250,000 to Dreyfus in February 2001 after their relationship became public.

Keating described Dreyfus as a mentor and dear friend. Keating said he used the money to pay for his children's education. Dreyfus said he sent the money to Keating because Keating helped him promote Dilantin, a prescription drug used to control seizures.