Gene Stipe seeks to have probation reduced

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Former State Senator Gene Stipe has asked a judge to reduce by almost two-thirds his sentence of probation on a federal campaign fraud conviction.<br/><br/>The 79-year-old from McAlester

Wednesday, March 29th 2006, 12:12 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Former State Senator Gene Stipe has asked a judge to reduce by almost two-thirds his sentence of probation on a federal campaign fraud conviction.

The 79-year-old from McAlester was sentenced to five years of probation in January 2004. Stipe pleaded guilty to perjury and two counts of conspiracy for his role in illegally financing the unsuccessful 1998 congressional campaign of Walt Roberts.

Stipe's application to US District Judge James Robertson to reduce his probation is sealed in federal court in Washington DC.

But according to a court filing by prosecutors, Stipe is citing poor health, his completion of one thousand hours of community service, his long career as a state legislator and his advocacy for the "neediest Oklahomans" as reasons for his request.