Judge sets October 8 sentencing date for Gene Stipe

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A federal judge is granting another delay in the sentencing of former state Senator Gene Stipe. <br><br>A Justice Department spokesman says Stipe's sentencing is now scheduled

Tuesday, August 26th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A federal judge is granting another delay in the sentencing of former state Senator Gene Stipe.

A Justice Department spokesman says Stipe's sentencing is now scheduled for October eighth at 9 AM.

Stipe's attorneys had requested the latest delay so Stipe could undergo ``non-elective'' surgery. The nature of the surgery hasn't been disclosed, but the attorneys say Stipe's surgeon recommends he not travel for 30 days.

Stipe faces possible prison time after pleading guilty to lying about his role to funnel illegal contributions to the 1998 congressional campaign of Walt Roberts.

Two earlier delays in his sentencing were related to his failure to interview for a pre-sentence report and to allow him to undergo medical tests.