Law firm hired to investigate Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner accused of sexual assault

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Riggs Abney law firm has been hired to investigate Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett, who faces sexual assault allegations after a work trip.

"We wanted to get this started as quickly as possible," OCC general counsel Pat Franz said.

At their meeting today, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission shared details about how the investigation will look.

The OCC says the law firm will handle non-criminal complaints. If it's a criminal matter, the Attorney General will take over.

"Our general counsel's office will develop an email that will go out to all employees," Communications specialist Trey Davis said.

Commissioner Bob Anthony wonders why the firm's shareholder partner won't investigate criminal complaints.

"This says, 'Oh, we've got non-criminal complaints that are the subject matter in this scope.' That's ridiculous," Commissioner Anthony said. "If we're going to take this matter seriously, we're in crisis mode."

Commissioner Hiett addressed the board one week after stepping down as chairman.

"As I stated at last week's meeting, I have apologized for my abuse of alcohol, begun treatment, stepped aside as Chairman of the Commission and will continue to cooperate fully with any ongoing personnel investigation being conducted."

Then, he called out Commissioner Anthony, who previously said he wants Hiett to resign.

"All investigations should be fair and follow the law, not be derailed by the raging manifestos of one commissioner with personal vendettas," Hiett said.

Anthony thanked him for his comment despite it not being on the agenda.

Hiett's comments didn't sit right with those that Anthony invited to speak.

"Anybody who's ever known a family member or a loved one or a friend who goes through a 12-step program knows that they do not communicate the way Mr. Hiett communicated today," Cameron Spradling said. "That was totally inappropriate and indicates he is not well."

Commissioner Anthony says he wants to meet with the law firm, so this investigation can begin as soon as possible.