Oklahoma City attorney Melvin Hall assured Corporation Commissioners this week his investigation into the allegations against Commissioner Todd Hiett will be a “confidental fact-finding” probe and rely on information voluntarily offered by those who feel they have something to offer.
“Strictly voluntary—we will only deal with information that is voluntarily made,” Hall told the commissioners as he briefed them. “The information provided will be secure,” he offered, adding those providing such information will be safe from any possible reprisals.
Hall, with the Riggs, Abeny, Neal, Turpen, Orbison and Lewis law firm has been contracted to conduct the investigation into claims that Commissioner Hiett was drunk when he allegedly groped a man at a hotel bar in Minneapolis, Minnesota while attending a national convention.
“We want anyone coming forward to feel comfrotable and we want them to be forthcoming,” he added as he answered questions from two of the three commissioners, Kim David and Bob Anthony. Hiett did not participate in the questioning.
Hall explained the investigation system is still being “worked out” and no statements or information about Hiett and the alleged incidents have been received.
“We’re not being influenced by anyone,” he professed and added that if anything of a criminal nature is brought to him and fellow law firm attorney Don Bingham, it will “automatically” be referred to the Attorney General.
“I’m confident that we have the expertise and the experience and the independence and the discretion to respond based on the information that is voluntarily presented to us—I’m very confident.”
