Nolan Clay, Randy Ellis
05/12/2000
A federal grand jury is demanding that the Oklahoma Health Department disclose how its officials influenced legislation on using temporary managers at nursing homes.
The grand jury also wants to know how temporary managers were chosen and how almost two dozen Oklahoma nursing homes were regulated.
Jurors are looking into allegations of corruption in the department and into its oversight of the nursing home industry. Jurors are after phone records, personnel records and time sheets of fired Deputy Commissioner Brent VanMeter and other key department employees.
The grand jury's work is part of a large-scale federal and state investigation that began in 1996.
Nursing home owners under investigation include E.W. "Dub" Jiles of Oklahoma City and his daughter, Deanna Beavers. Also under scrutiny are two brothers, John Smart and Jim Smart of Wewoka.
Details of the grand jury's focus are in a subpoena obtained by The Oklahoman . Health officials must turn over the records by June 6.
VanMeter, 46, was arrested May 2. He was charged May 3 in Oklahoma City federal court with soliciting a bribe from a nursing home owner and fired May 4.
A grand jury is meeting Tuesday to consider evidence against VanMeter.
Among the allegations is that favoritism was shown in the selection of temporary managers for troubled homes.
Jurors are demanding "all documents... regarding legislation, the development of legislation, or proposals for new legislation involving the placing of temporary managers in charge of long-term care facilities."
Jurors want a list of the temporary managers, their applications and any denials, discipline or removals.
FBI agents seized documents "pertaining to legislation" and a temporary managers' list in a search of VanMeter's office May 2.
Agents also seized VanMeter's 1999 tax records, personal financial documents, legal documents, appointment books, investment statements, letters, a 1998 desk diary, computer disks and other documents.
A list of the 36 items seized from VanMeter's office was obtained by The Oklahoman on Thursday.
Agents said they also were looking for "records evidencing gambling on... or attendance at horse races or simulcast betting sites... from January 1, 1996, to present."
VanMeter is suspected of using bribes to gamble on horse racing, FBI agents have said. Agents said he has been seen "making numerous bets, including some for over $100."
Agents also wanted letters between VanMeter and 14 others, including Jiles, Beavers, the Smarts and nursing home owner Daniel Buford of Tulsa. Buford said Thursday night he didn't have any such correspondence.
Agents also searched six other offices inside the health department May 2. They seized files on nursing homes, complaints and inspections - known at the health department as surveys.
Ripped survey notes were taken from the trash in the office of Karen Verner, a long-term care coordinator. She has been suspended with pay.
Long-term care facilities are named in the grand jury subpoena, search warrants or FBI seizures lists.
They are:
- Binger Nursing Home
- Blevins Retirement and Care Center in McAlester
- Boley Residential Care Home
- Choctaw Living Center
- Colonial Manor Nursing Home
- Colonial Park Nursing Home in Okemah
- Cyril Nursing Home
- Evening Shade Residential Care
- Harrah Nursing Center
- Idaho Avenue Care Home in Chickasha
- Lake Drive Home in Henryetta
- McLoud Nursing Center
- Meeker Nursing Home
- Oak Hill Living Center in Jones
- Okemah Pioneer Nursing Center
- Parkview Nursing Home in Shawnee
- Ponderosa Residential Care in Noble
- Rosewood Manor Living Center in Norman
- Seminole Estates
- Seminole Pioneer Nursing Home
- Shawnee Care Center
- Shawnee Sunset Estates
- Shawnee Colonial Estates Nursing Home
- Silver Crest Manor in Anadarko
- Wewoka Nursing Home.
The full text of the federal grand jury subpoena served on the state Health Department.www.oklahoman.com
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