Attorneys Seek To Divert Stipe From Springfield

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Attorneys for former state Sen. Gene Stipe have asked a federal judge to reconsider sending Stipe out of state for a mental competency exam.<br/><br/>U.S. District Judge Ronald White

Tuesday, September 4th 2007, 5:52 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Attorneys for former state Sen. Gene Stipe have asked a federal judge to reconsider sending Stipe out of state for a mental competency exam.

U.S. District Judge Ronald White says he ordered Stipe sent to a federal prison hospital in Springfield, Mo., to make sure the ex-senator was not "drugged or under hypnosis" when he appeared in court.

The judge's order last week said it was his duty to send Stipe away because he had reasonable cause to believe Stipe was incompetent.

The judge ordered Stipe to appear in Springfield by Thursday.

Brewster said two DVD's were attached to a motion he filed Tuesday. One was of an interview of Stipe by his doctor and one was an interview of Stipe by his lawyers.

He said anyone viewing the videos would conclude Stipe's mental competency is not an issue.

He said the judge's decision last week was based upon seeing Stipe in court for a few moments.

Brewster said he would appeal to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver if White does not modify his decision and allow Stipe's competency to be determined at a hearing in Oklahoma.

Stipe appeared before White at a probation revocation hearing. Federal prosecutors contend Stipe has violated his parole by illegally raising campaign funds and associating with a convicted felon.

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