On May 2, 2014, William Mark Blasdel, a former Oklahoma County Prosecutor and defense attorney, formally resigned his law license. Blasdel had faced felony charges alleging he harbored a fugitive in February of 2013. In October, 2013, prosecutors dismissed the formal criminal case, but legal disciplinary charges were initiated against him.
The incident leading to these charges and his resignation stemmed from Blasdel’s alleged actions in hiding Gale Lynn Crislip, his legal assistant, from law enforcement. On January 29, 2013, deputies came to Blasdel’s office to arrest Crislip on embezzlement charges related to an automobile she had not returned. Authorities alleged they came to Blasdel’s office and saw Crislip, who then walked away.
When Blasdel approached the deputies, they allege Blasdel indicated he had not seen Crislip. When searching the office, deputies located a locked room, to which Blasdel claimed he did not have a key. Crislip was subsequently found hiding inside. Authorities also allege Blasdel refused to deliver Crislip a second time in November of 2013.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court approved Blasdel’s resignation from the bar in its May 27, 2014 order. Under regulations, his resignation while under disciplinary proceedings is treated the same as a formal disbarment, and he cannot reapply for admission for five years. Blasdel attended law school at the University of Oklahoma and gained admission to the bar in 1974.
