Renowned attorney Stephen Jones, known for defending Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, is set to argue before the Oklahoma Supreme Court in a case involving Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett. Hiett, embroiled in controversy, stands accused of misconduct in utility cases at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC). The legal challenge is brought forth by Reps. Tom Gann, R-Inola, Kevin West, R-Moore, and Rick West, R-Heavener. These lawmakers, also customers of the state’s major utility companies, have been representing themselves until Jones's recent involvement, as per the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
The trio filed a petition on Sept. 13, demanding that Hiett recuse himself from ongoing utility cases due to allegations of his inappropriate behavior. According to witness statements given to The Oklahoman, Hiett's alleged drunken and sexual improprieties among utility company representatives have compromised the impartiality required in these multimillion-dollar ratepayer cases. The Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for Nov. 12, where Jones will present the case against Hiett.
In their fight for due process and fair representation on behalf of Oklahoma’s utility ratepayers, the representatives expressed confidence in Jones's participation. "Throughout his long history representing high-profile defendants, Stephen Jones has been a champion of civil rights and constitutional due process rights. We are very happy to have his help in this matter," they conveyed in a joint statement. The statement further elaborates on the importance of judicial integrity and the constitutional rights of ratepayers, which the representatives believe have been compromised by Hiett's continued involvement in the cases, according to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Stephen Jones's addition to the case is seen as a significant move for the lawmakers, who have thus far advanced their cause without legal representation. “Our petition argues that the due process rights of millions of Oklahoma ratepayers are being violated by Commissioner Hiett in utility cases worth billions of dollars. His alleged drunken and sexual misconduct toward and in front of utility company representatives has tainted these cases, and ratepayers already are suffering from it," the representatives cited their concerns over the gravity of the situation, a statement obtained by the Oklahoma House of Representatives official website.
