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David Stanley Ford

Subpoena baffles owner of online message board discussing McAlester politics
Subpoena baffles owner of online message board discussing McAlester politics

By Tony Thornton    Comments Comment on this article9
Published: August 13, 2008

McALESTER — An online message board operator said Tuesday he won't comply with a subpoena ordering him to supply identities of people who issued critical posts about McAlester officials.

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Harold King said two McAlester police detectives delivered the subpoena to him Tuesday.

The subpoena orders him to provide details by Saturday on 35 bloggers posting under pseudonyms on King's site, www.mccooler.net.

He said he researched posts under those pseudonyms and found one common denominator: All had written critically about Pittsburg County District Attorney Jim Miller.

Miller said by telephone: "I can't comment on any investigation, and whether one's going on or not.”

The subpoena doesn't say who issued it. A legal expert contacted by The Oklahoman said only two authorities — a prosecutor and a judge — can issue a subpoena in a criminal matter.

Site stirs up controversy
His subpoena is the most recent of King's troubles traced to his Web site. The site focuses on McAlester politics — particularly matters related to former state Sen. Gene Stipe.

In December 2005, King filed a police report claiming Stipe assaulted him. Stipe and his brother Francis filed a stalking complaint, accusing King of harassing them. Gene Stipe also obtained a protective order against King and accused him of libel.

Last weekend, King filed a police report accusing Francis Stipe's son, Wayne, of punching him in the face at a local grocery store.

Miller wouldn't say whether he plans to file assault charges.

‘A chilling effect'
An advocate of open government said he's concerned the subpoena could have "a chilling effect.”

"It just smacks of trying to chill criticism,” said Joey Senat, past president of FOI Oklahoma Inc. and associate professor of journalism at Oklahoma State University.

"We have a right to speak anonymously, especially about political matters,” Senat said.

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David Stanley Ford



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I am amazed that they would even try this. Only is someone is threatening to harm themselves or another should this information ever be provided to big brother. If that element is not present, I'd also tell them to go to hell.
Bryan, Oklahoma City - Aug 13, 2008 at 11:47 pm
A subpoena signed by the clerk, calling a criminal investigation, citing a civil statute. WOW
Bob, Savanna - Aug 13, 2008 at 7:47 pm
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McAlester has very shaky grounds on which to base the subpoena. One of the people also involved in the case is Don Hass, police captain. He was involved in the Stipe matter of Ryan Luke's death as Pittsburg County Sheriff. He resigned among claims of negligence in Ryan's death. While Hass was not a direct player in the killing, he slowed down the investigation so Stipe could buy some time to put together an escape plan. It worked but it also cost the DA his job along with a half dozen city, county, and state DHS employees. He was immediately hired by McAlester Police upon resigining as sheriff. I never picked up that the current PD chief was a friend of Stipe. I've followed him from his officer days, to detective, to assistant chief, and to chief. George Scott is just a regular guy you meet at a restaurant and talk about fishing and hunting. Someone must be putting the pressure on George! I will give you one guess.
burt, edmond - Aug 13, 2008 at 6:40 pm
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Only if his real name is "Vlad Bob" Putin.
Steve, McAlester - Aug 13, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Does Vladamir Putin live in McAlester?
Kevin, Shawnee - Aug 13, 2008 at 11:24 am
buzz, mooreland - Aug 13, 2008 at 10:05 am
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Looks like some of that Ada District Attorney style of law...Make up your own...
buzz, mooreland - Aug 13, 2008 at 10:05 am
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Looks like some of that Ada District Attorney Style of Law......
buzz, mooreland - Aug 13, 2008 at 10:03 am
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You've got to be kidding! So is it safe to post on here?
Rebecca, Oklahoma City - Aug 13, 2008 at 9:35 am

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