Tulsa Reserve Deputy Brags About Connections In 2012 Recording

Allison Harris - News On 6

Dean Wetherbee - News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma - A reserve deputy called his position with the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office a hobby in a newly released audio recording.

In the recording you can hear Bob Bates brag about his connections in the sheriff's office and how he can use them to help his friends and harm his enemies.

The recording became evidence during a legal battle in 2012 over the sale of Bates' insurance company. Bates met a colleague for drinks at a restaurant, who secretly recorded their conversation.

The conversation took place three years ago, but it has new meaning in light of Bates' new charge of manslaughter in the shooting of Eric Harris.

Special Coverage: TCSO Reserve Deputy Shooting Controversy

During the recording, Bates calls his role as Tulsa County reserve deputy his "hobby."

Bates: "They don't understand how my mind works, believe me. And, you know, based on what I do as a hobby, and so forth, they don't have a f*****g clue."
Colleague: "Oh. You mean, you mean police officer and sheriff?"
Bates: "Yeah. They don't have a f*****g clue."

Bates brags about his connections in the sheriff's office, saying he can make life miserable for the plaintiffs and use his connections to help powerful friends.

Bates: "I don't do well with direction. I never have since the first grade. My first grade teacher and I had a problem, and I've had problems throughout my life. You know, ‘No, f**k you, here's what I'm going to do.'"

He also talks about his attorney, Clark Brewster.

Brewster also represented Bates for the 2012 case, which was later dismissed.

In the recording, Bates suggests he did favors for Brewster, and his clients.

Bates: "I haven't paid him yet. (laughs) I mean, he knows I've done some s**t for him at the sheriff's office, for his clients."

Brewster confirms the authenticity of the recording, but said he had only known Bates for a month when the recording was made, and said he's never asked for favors on behalf of his clients.

Brewster called the release of the recording a "press adventure."

Another sheriff's office memo from 2009 has also come to light. It claims the sheriff signed off on some of Bates' faked training.

The memo is to Sheriff Stanley Glanz, with what looks like the initials “SG” signed at the top.