'Everybody's replaceable': OK Corporation Commissioner faces backlash after alleged drunk incident

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett is being asked to resign after allegedly groping a man while drunk at a Minnesota conference.

The alleged incident was pointed out in an open letter filed by Commissioner Bob Anthony. In the letter, Anthony calls Hiett's behavior horrifying, disgusting and "probably criminal." The letter alleges the incident happened June 9 in Minnesota, but that Hiett says he can't remember it.

Anthony highlights allegations made in a July 16 article from news outlet 'The Oklahoman' about behavior he said he had been able to independently confirm. The incident allegedly happened at the Mid-America Regulatory Conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota. News 4 has not obtained any reports or documents to suggest the incident was reported to local law enforcement, that an arrest was made or that charges had been filed as a result of the incident. Witnesses allege that, while under the influence, Hiett groped a man at a bar, putting his hand on the man's lap and groin areas.

Anthony's letter further says that according to a witness statement, the man who was allegedly groped, works for a company that goes before the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Anthony says that Hiett's authoritative role as a commissioner and regulator was known before the encounter allegedly took place.

Anthony says that numerous current and former commissioners from across the country have reported to him a history of similar behavior from Hiett at meetings and conferences in multiple other states.

"The behavior that has been described is beyond inappropriate or offensive and is no joke," Anthony notes in the letter, also calling for Hiett's resignation.

News 4 reached out to the Corporation Commission Tuesday for comment from Hiett and received two statements:

Over the last few years, I have fallen into the trap of using alcohol to combat stress. I am appalled and ashamed by what I have been told about my behavior while drinking in a social situation at a recent conference. I have no memory of this incident.

I acknowledge the seriousness of this situation and upon learning of this event, I immediately sought treatment. I am currently under the care of expert physicians and counselors to treat this affliction.

Over the past 30 years, I have been blessed in business and in politics. Most of all, I have been blessed with a strong, supportive family. I would humbly ask for your prayers, support and discretion as our family, with God’s help, works through this very difficult time.

I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to anyone who was offended by my behavior.

With a strong faith in God and a strong family to support me, I am very optimistic for the future.

Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett

Hours after receiving the first statement, News 4 received another statement specifically addressing Anthony's calls for Hiett to resign:

As a Commission, we are facing a heavy workload including numerous rate cases with a tremendous potential impact to ratepayers. It would be a detriment for me to step aside from my responsibility to balance the interests of ratepayers to those of the utilities.

Commissioner Anthony’s filing comes as no surprise. He’s repeatedly accused other commissioners and OCC employees of various things over the years without actively participating in the work of the Commission, which has often resulted in just two commissioners deciding the merits of the cases that come before us.

Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett

News 4 employees sat down with former Vice Mayor of The Village Sean Cummings to get his take on the allegations as a former leader held to ethical standards.

"I don't think outside of resigning this can be solved," said Cummings. "Because I don't see it slowing down....I mean it will be a national news story within two or three days."

Cummings also said he takes issue with Hiett saying he has no memory of the incident, calling the behavior irresponsible for a leader in his position.

"Is that who we want representing Oklahoma in negotiations and bartering and reading contracts?" Cummings asked. "Everybody's replaceable."