What Role Did FOP Lobbyist Bobby Stem Play In Lloyd Fields' Quick Detox Center Release?

What role did Capitol lobbyist Bobby Stem (pictured) play in securing the quick release of Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields from the Public Inebriate Alternative in Oklahoma City on February 17th? The question hangs in the air today after The Oklahoman's Nolan Clay revealed it was Stem, a lobbyist for the Fraternal Order of Police, who "helped arrange for Fields' release" from the detox center after the Democrat was taken there by Oklahoma City police.

Controversy over the quick release, reported by The Oklahoman, prompted Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty to issue an edict that no officer on his force has the authority to secure the release of anyone from the detox center "for any reason."

The new directive from Citty comes after a police officer allowed Fields to be released from the detox center after about four hours. Detainees usually are held 10 hours.

The police officer involved in the release was not disciplined, the chief said.

Stem could not be reached for an explanation of his involvement in the Fields release. A list of his clients on file with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission shows that among his clients is the Fraternal Order of Police.

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