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David Stanley Ford

Singer Reba McEntire asks judge for leniency for businessman Steve Phipps

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS    Comments Comment on this article43
Published: May 26, 2009



McALESTER — Country music superstar Reba McEntire is among dozens of people asking a federal judge to show leniency on a Kiowa businessman scheduled to be sentenced this week.

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Read Reba McEntire's letter requesting leniency for Steve Phipps

McEntire is one of 46 people who wrote a letter or affidavit to U.S. District Judge Ronald White on behalf of Steve Phipps. The Kiowa businessman pleaded guilty in 2007 to a federal conspiracy charge and is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Muskogee.

Phipps acknowledged then he paid three legislators kickbacks in return for their efforts to steer state taxpayer money toward his companies.

McEntire, who grew up with Phipps in southeast Oklahoma, wrote that she and Phipps have been close friends since grade school and that his son is completing an internship with her Nashville, Tenn.-based company, Starstruck.

McEntire added that Phipps has kept her informed about members of their class or other people in the Kiowa community who have had medical or other problems.

"I know that Steve has helped many of these families with support and monetary assistance," McEntire wrote. It also praises Phipps for helping with projects at Kiowa Public Schools.

Also writing letters on Phipps' behalf were Greg Owen, director of the Pittsburg County 4-H Club, and Kiowa School Superintendent Mike Kellogg.

Federal prosecutors also are asking White to show leniency on Phipps, who could face up to five years in a federal prison.

Last week, U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling credited Phipps with helping to break a "code of silence" in a federal probe into political corruption in southeast Oklahoma.

Phipps proved to be a key witness for prosecutors in the trial of former state Auditor Jeff McMahan and his wife, Lori McMahan, who were on convicted on felony counts of conspiracy and accepting bribes.

Phipps also cooperated in cases against former state Rep. Mike Mass, who pleaded guilty to a felony charge in a corruption case and is awaiting sentencing, and former state Rep. Randall Erwin, who was acquitting during a trial.

Prosecutors told White that Phipps also provided information that led to two other investigations being opened that could lead to prosecutions.

"Southeast Oklahoma, and the McAlester area in particular, has a history related to political corruption," prosecutors told the judge. "Steve Phipps is one of the few individuals who had the wherewithal to break an apparent 'code of silence' and has helped the grand jury."

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Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.

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David Stanley Ford


Related Topics: Politics, Criminal Sentencing and Punishment, Judiciary, U.S. Courts, Trials, Political Scandals


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He got 13 months. Looks like it worked to some extent.
burt, edmond - May 27, 2009 at 1:07 pm
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this is the hang em high state don't you know? Logic, truth, and equality doesn't enter into these posters pea brain. Maybe there's a reason for so many asking for leniency. duh.. Did it cost taxpayers money? Maybe. The contracts were let and the work done, it's just that he got some of the profit of the jobs. Yeah.. he's a really terrible person. Such vitriol over small potatoes corruption.
Mike, Oklahoma City - May 27, 2009 at 8:27 am
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The only reason this is even a story is because it is Reba. He is an old family friend. Writing the letter is her decision. Did anyone notice that even the prosecutors of the case are also asking for leniency???
Larry, Oklahoma City - May 27, 2009 at 8:01 am
Half of Obama's cabinet are tax cheats, why are we worried about this small fish?
ED, MULESHOE - May 26, 2009 at 9:33 pm
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Somewhere between the Dept. of Justice and SE Oklahoma politicans lies the truth. The only thing we can count on is that the truth will never be revealed in its true form.
Kevin, Shawnee - May 26, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Phipps is a piece of crud...he was only able to help kiowa schools because he got rich in back room deals off the back of the taxpayers of oklahoma.
Jonathon, Oklahoma City - May 26, 2009 at 8:55 pm
LOL!!!!! Candace, Lakeland...that was good!
possum, Oklahoma City - May 26, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Maybe Reba can send him some Little Debbie's while he is in the joint!!He sure is a thief and rat.He can make a lot of new friends in there.They love rats in the joint don"t they?
marcel, Gods Country - May 26, 2009 at 5:38 pm
He didn'tmake a mistake, he is a thief and a liar.
Lawerence, Oklahoma City - May 26, 2009 at 5:30 pm
I can"t wait to hear the judges decision !! This is probably going to be interesting.Tomorrow is the big day isn"t it?Stay tuned everyone!!!
marcel, Gods Country - May 26, 2009 at 5:16 pm
sooo all the people he has helped should be punished too for taking money from a criminal...they too are criminals and should serve time along with him for receiving illegal funds....
maygan, Oklahoma City - May 26, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Claim "tribal sovereignty", in your appeal to the Supreme Court, that's the next step.
Joe, Norman - May 26, 2009 at 3:31 pm
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I love Reba but, as far as, Steve Phipps and Gene Stipes is concerned they can skip to my lou with golden ankle bracelets on...
Candace, Lakeland - May 26, 2009 at 3:19 pm
The moral of this story is if you're going to curry illegal favors from legislators, make sure you have famous friends who'll defend you when you're caught.
Earl, Oklahoma City - May 26, 2009 at 2:58 pm
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Most criminals do not have the luxury of knowing someone like Ms. McEntire. Therefore, they get to do the time. Mr. Phipps should have to do his time as well. Oklahoma has had too many people getting kickbacks for too long. What about other honest business people who did not reap the rewards because they followed the law. Mr. Phipps financial gain from the kickback was much more than the financial gain of those he paid off and therefore his punishment should be served.
Carol, Shawnee - May 26, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Is this why they started showing Reba re-runs in the Oklahoma City viweing area? Is that part of the deal too?
possum, Oklahoma City - May 26, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Gawd forbid he should have to endure the horrors of house arrest like his buddy...
Kevin, Oklahoma City - May 26, 2009 at 1:40 pm
He should do his time in the same cell with the people he turned a dime on. That sounds fair to me. Second chance yes after he does his time!! It shouldn"t matter what his friends think. LOCK HIM UP !!!
marcel, Gods Country - May 26, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Perhaps the Federal Judge will write and give Reba some singing advice, too.
Joe, Norman - May 26, 2009 at 1:12 pm
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This guy willfully broke the law and should be sentenced just like anyone else who broke the same law. Your good deeds or family friends should make no difference in your sentencing.
MARK, OKLAHOMA CITY - May 26, 2009 at 12:50 pm
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Yeah, but high 'em high if anyone says they're embarrassed Bush is our President. Annoying hick.
David, Norman - May 26, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Oklahoma has a lot of "political cleaning" yet to do and I hope this guy is sentenced accordingly. It's great he helped expose some corruption, but he is guilty and needs to serve his time. Reba is a family friend of Phipps and there is no harm in her writing a letter asking for leniency. Sentencing is up to the judge. We'll soon know if corruption in Oklahoma is on the decline or just status quo.
Susanne, Edmond - May 26, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Guess if you have "big" friends a judge will give you a "big" break. Kinda makes the rest of us think we're inadequate if this affects the judge in any manner.
Bill, denver - May 26, 2009 at 12:05 pm
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Ummm...Joseph...the 'no physical harm' argument isn't a good one. What if this guy took all of your retirment money? Then you'd probably want to put a bullet in his brain...
Chris, Jones - May 26, 2009 at 11:27 am
Reba is a good woman, with a good heart. She recognizes someone else with those same qualities. We all make mistakes in life, but there was no physical harm done to anyone. If he was your kid, you would want him to have a second chance, wouldn't you? Besides, he has been very cooperative and forthcoming.
Joseph, Okemah - May 26, 2009 at 11:07 am
Gary, you are such a fool. Like Jerry points out, he was caught and then became a rat. It's not like he suddenly became a good person and went to the feds and said, "I want to confess my crimes." No criminal is ever sorry until they are caught.
Louis Friend, Norman - May 26, 2009 at 9:47 am
It blows my mind that Steve Phipps admitted to over 300 felonies and may only have to serve five years max. It is not like he just came forward and told the grand jury about it. The only reason he has been helping the Grand Jury is to help himself. It wasnt because he was remorseful and realized the errors of his ways. He will probably do the same things when he gets out. If he even goes to prison. As for as Reba, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CD OF HERS AGAIN!!!!! I hope people realize the corruption that is taking place with this whole mess. Innocent lives are being ruined to protect the REAL CRIMINALS. Shame on the Federal Government for allowing this too happen!! But these individuals will have to face their maker someday. What goes around comes around.
Joni, Tecumseh - May 26, 2009 at 9:44 am
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Phipps became one of Oklahoma's many "democrooks" by his decisions made over the years.Just because he got caught and then "ratted out" on the other rats is not justification for a "special" sentence.ie gene stipe
Hang the bastard!
Jerry L., Guthrie - May 26, 2009 at 9:35 am
There is nothing wrong with someone starting a letter writing campaign to ask for something. That is not a flaw in our system. The judge still has to make his decision based upon facts and his determination will stand. He isn't going to let some people's heart strings tug at him to give someone an easy sentence. If Steve Phipps does end up getting off light, it will be because he rolled over on these mafioso types and exposed them. I for one hope that he gets off with just a deferred sentennce, but I have seen many times where these letter writing campaigns backfire and the judge spits in those people's faces. There are convicted drunk drivers who do less jail time. Let these non-violent people (like Phipps) feel the shame of public embarassment learn their lesson and move on.
Chad, oklahoma city - May 26, 2009 at 9:24 am
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She wrote a letter for leniency not absolution. Quit being so bitter that you don't have any friends that would do the same for you.
John, Norman - May 26, 2009 at 9:22 am
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If ya'll knew Reba, and you got in trouble, I bet you'd be happy to let her send a letter to your judge.
Chris, Jones - May 26, 2009 at 9:08 am
I credit the man for helping to "break the code of silence". That takes courage. Reba should mind her own business and stay out of the affairs of regular people in the real world.
Gary, Oklahoma City - May 26, 2009 at 8:55 am
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Free Steve!!! He's a good man.
jerry - May 26, 2009 at 8:20 am
"Southeast Oklahoma, and the McAlester area in particular, has a history related to political corruption..." SE Okie Land my a$$! Its the whole danged state!
Kevin, Oklahoma City - May 26, 2009 at 7:59 am
I have lost all respect for Reba. There are few things that I see worse than bribing a government official. I think bribing a government official should be considered treason (for both parties) and of course carry the death sentence.
Louis Friend, Norman - May 26, 2009 at 7:43 am
She should mind her own business.
Joe Bob, Norman - May 26, 2009 at 7:40 am
He doesn't have his old cronie friends like The Stipe Regime to do his bidding of pay-per-charge judges. Its a whole new world now with a few exceptions. Don Hass, who helped kill Ryan Luke, is a police captain at McAlester Police and Kaylyn Free is head of an Indian advocacy group. Others have moved on like former powerful McAlester mayor Dale Covington who now hides in Edmond, Ok. Francis Stipe is dead, and Gene is supposedly a vegetable (when it serves him) and perfectly fine (when it serves him). Gene no longer traffics illegals to Monroe and Main on the BNSF trains and the chicken plants are closed. McAlester First Baptist Church has lost a lot of membership and their building plans are in the crapper. The nuclear power base of Bass, Mass, Gene Stipe, Covington, Clyde Stipe, Jack Stipe, Walt Roberts, George Nigh, Bill Brewster, Don Hass, Kaylin Free, Carl Albert, has all but fizzled out. These people have all been highly investigated by the F.B.I. and other agencies and many have either gone to prison, rolled over on their compatriots, died, or laid low for the past few years in order to let all the publicity and recognition blow over until the waters are safer to make a triumphant return. Reba will always be Reba. She only knows one way and that's the way of the East. If you are from McAlester you know what that means. Reba being a Rebecca and future "worthy matron" knows how to pull strings. It means she must come forward to support a brother. She has no option. Its either do or be shunned.
burt, edmond - May 26, 2009 at 7:37 am
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david, i completley agree!

And the arrogance of this guy in thinking that a letter from someone who's famous will help get him off the hook. Shameful!
paul, yukon - May 26, 2009 at 6:58 am
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rebas squeeky voice is a crime!
david, Newcastle - May 26, 2009 at 6:45 am
This just shows that certain people can break the law and testify against someone and get off scott free. The corruption in our politics has not end. They all should be held accountable and serve their time.
jesse, oklahoma city - May 26, 2009 at 6:16 am
This story is a prime example of what's wrong with America and American politics! People break laws and get away with murder. If I did the same stuff I'd be in jail. There's an old saying: "Birds of a feather, flock together". Maybe those 46 people who condone illegal activities need to be investigated.
Jacklyn, Yukon - May 26, 2009 at 5:58 am

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