State Insurance Commissioner pleads innocent to felony charges

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Innocent pleas were entered Wednesday morning for Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher on four felony charges.<br><br>Fisher and his assistant, Opal Ellis, are accused of

Tuesday, February 17th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Innocent pleas were entered Wednesday morning for Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher on four felony charges.

Fisher and his assistant, Opal Ellis, are accused of failing to register his Fisher Foundation as a charitable organization, failing to report donations and failing to keep receipts.

Fisher and Ellis are also accused of keeping more than $40,000 paid by the insurance industry for a state continuing education fund.

Ellis faces two additional charges, including embezzlement. She pleaded innocent yesterday while Fisher was given 24 hours to enter his plea.

Fisher faces up to 26 years in prison if convicted and Ellis faces up to 66 years if found guilty on all counts.

Both are free on $1,000 bond.