Impeachment investigation sought against State Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- An investigation into the possible impeachment of State Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher has been proposed by a pair of Republican House members.<br><br>Reps. Fred Morgan and

Wednesday, March 24th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- An investigation into the possible impeachment of State Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher has been proposed by a pair of Republican House members.

Reps. Fred Morgan and John Trebilcock filed a resolution Wednesday to create a special committee to investigate Fisher's activities and determine whether impeachment should be pursued.

"It is clear that Commissioner Fisher's conduct is an embarrassment to the people of Oklahoma," said Morgan, R-Oklahoma City. "This resolution is the first step in restoring public confidence and integrity to the office of the State Insurance Commissioner."

Fisher, a Democrat, has been charged with four felony counts related to operating a charity illegally and embezzling insurance education money.

Oklahoma's multicounty grand jury is also continuing its probe of Fisher and his relationship with Florida attorney Norman Taplin. Fisher wrote a $35,855 check to Taplin for legal services in 2002, using a Heritage National Insurance Co. bank account.

The chief executive of the failed insurance company, Steve Silverstein, said the legal bill was fake and should not have been paid.

Fisher and his wife, Karen, are scheduled to appear before the grand jury.