Rinehart Ordered To Surrender Records

U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton today ordered Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart to surrender any 2003 tax records for his Unta Bent Inc. to federal investigators by August 11 or submit a sworn statement indicating that the requested documents do not exist or are in the hands of another government agency.

Heaton said he would find Rinehart in civil contempt of court, as requested by government attorneys, if a report due August 15 indicates he does not comply with today's order.

Rinehart, defeated Tuesday in his attempt to win a second term, has been under investigation by the IRS since November 2006. He also faces trial on campaign finance charges.

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