Police urge caution;
Former senator last seen making illegal campaign contributions south of McAlester
By Martin Trapp, Partisan Staff Reporter:
Former senator and convicted felon Gene Stipe escaped from house
arrest on Monday, slipping out the back door while his wife was watching
daytime TV. Stipe’s checkbook was also missing, which concerns
authorities.
“As of right now, we believe the fugitive to be hiding somewhere in
the McAlester area,”
said Pittsburg County sheriff Jerome Amaranto.
“We’re concerned that he might try to funnel illegal donations into a city
council race, or possibly contribute to the campaign coffers of Mike
Mass.”
In January, Stipe was sentenced for perjury, conspiracy to obstruct a
Federal Election Commission investigation and conspiracy to violate the
Federal Election Campaign Act. During the sentencing process, which was
delayed six times, many sought jail time for the 77-year-old lawmaker. An
exception was Sen. Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta, who recommended castration.
