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Judge Thompson Convicted

By OK Blawg Editor - James Dee Graves

A former Oklahoma judge was convicted late Thursday of exposing himself by using a sexual device while he presided over court cases.

A Creek County jury found Donald Thompson, 59, guilty on four counts of indecent exposure and recommended one year in prison and a $10,000 fine on each count. The investigation into Thompson's actions began after a police officer saw a penis pump in the judge's courtroom. The charges involved four jury trials in 2002 and 2003. Thompson's former court reporter, Lisa Foster, testified she traced an unfamiliar sound in the courtroom to her boss. She testified she saw Thompson expose himself at least 15 times.

Thompson, who served for more than 20 years on the bench in eastern Oklahoma before his retirement in 2004, denied using a penis pump and said it was a gag gift.

Thompson was ordered into custody on $75,000 bail, which his lawyers said would be posted Friday. Thompson's formal sentencing is scheduled Aug. 14.

Prosecutor Patricia High said she was pleased with the outcome.

"The same justice system that he abused held him accountable."

Defence lawyer Clark Brewster did not speak with reporters.

The conviction will require Thompson to register as a sex offender, which could jeopardize his $7,489.91-a-month pension from the state.

Full post as published by OK Blawg - The Oklahoma Law Blog on July 11, 2006 (boomark / email).