Okla. Man Claims Attorney Harassed Him in Case Related to Former Commissioner

An attorney has complained to police that Enid attorney Stephen Jones warned him against cooperating in a state grand jury investigation.

Daniel L. Rath testified before a multicounty grand jury investigating Texas businessman, Gene E. Phillips, The Oklahoman reported. Jones represents Phillips in Oklahoma.

Former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher is accused of accepting a $25,000 check and other gifts from Phillips, his family and business associates in exchange for favorable treatment. Phillips is not charged and denies bribing Fisher.

Rath, 30, said Jones, his former boss, wrote and called him several times, according to a police report. He told police that Jones said in one phone call, “If you testify, you will regret this.”

Jones is a well-known defense attorney who defended Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh and represented a former page involved in this year’s congressional scandal.

According to the police report, Rath said “that while the letters and calls may not appear on the surface to be threatening he knows from ‘personal experience’ what suspect is capable of and what will likely happen to victim because of his cooperation with the grand jury.”

“Victim says he will no longer practice law,” a police officer wrote. “This is his choice but he also knows suspect will see to it victim will not be able to practice law in Oklahoma. Victim’s wife and kids are too scared to return to their home. Victim says he is very scared of suspect.”

Jones said Rath is a fired employee who is making false accusations to cover up his own wrongdoing.

“There is no foundation to Mr. Rath’s allegations,” Jones said. “Mr. Rath has not been intimidated. We are investigating … (whether) his actions have violated the attorney-client privilege. Lawyers may not discuss their work for their client.”

Jones said he spoke to Rath only twice recently on the phone, the first time when Rath called him about getting a grand jury subpoena. He said he reminded Rath of the attorney-client privilege. He said he later left a phone message.

“He is making false accusations because I believe that he knows he may have violated his oath of office as a lawyer,” Jones said.

Information from: The Oklahoman, www.newsok.com.