FISHER WANTS TRIAL MOVED

Faced with embezzlement and perjury charges stemming from the time when he held office, former Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher is seeking to have his trial moved out of Oklahoma County, according to the Associated Press and the Oklahoman.

Arguing that an impartial jury could not be seated in Oklahoma County because of media coverage, Fisher’s attorney, Robert L. Wyatt IV, reportedly asked that the Feb. 6, 2006, trial be moved to either Newkirk, Ardmore or Ada.

The former commissioner is accused of illegally depositing a $1,000 state campaign check into his overdrawn personal bank account in 2003 and not disclosing the $1,000 on campaign reports. Judge Susan Caswell was to consider the defense request Nov. 21.

Fisher, a Tulsa Democrat, resigned last year in advance of an impeachment trial in the state Senate.

Accused of bribery for accepting a $25,000 check and other gifts from Texas businessman Gene E. Phillips, his family and business associates, Fisher wants that charge dismissed. According to the AP, Fisher claims the $25,000 check was a loan.