Magistrate rules that law firm can represent man

(Tulsa-AP) -- A federal magistrate has ruled that a law firm can represent a man accused of defrauding the federal government in several major aerospace projects.

U-S Magistrate Claire Eagan on Friday say she didn't think conflict of interest would arise when the Stipe Law Firm represents Steven Copeland in an October 16th jury trial.

Copeland's father, Donald, and Copeland Manufacturing Company were indicted April 11th for alleged serious manufacturing flaws on a part for the international space station and the delivery of faulty parts for an unmanned, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft.

Steven Copeland is charged with participating in the alleged aircraft conspiracy and in the major fraud allegedly perpetrated in relation to the High Altitude Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Tier Two Plus spy plane.

Some past cases have shown that an attorney who seeks to cross-examine a former client inherently encounters divided loyalties.

The Copelands signed waivers indicating they are content with the lawyer arrangement.