Judge convicted for exposing himself during trials

Judge convicted for exposing himself during trials

by Jerking off in the Courthouse Saturday, Jul. 01, 2006 at 12:48 PM

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/30/AR2006063000416.html

Okla. Ex-Judge Convicted in Penis Pump Case

By SHAUN SCHAFER
The Associated Press
Friday, June 30, 2006; 9:34 AM

BRISTOW, Okla. -- A former judge could be sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of exposing himself by using a sex gadget while he presided over trials.

The jury on Thursday rejected Donald D. Thompson's contention that the device was a prank gift that he had never used, convicting the 23-year judicial veteran of four counts of indecent exposure.

The conviction will require Thompson to register as a sex offender and could jeopardize his $7,489.91-a-month pension. Jurors recommended one year in prison and a $10,000 fine on each count. Bond was set at $75,000, which Thompson's attorneys said would be posted Friday.

Thompson was accused of using the device during four jury trials in 2002 and 2003.

His former court reporter, Lisa Foster, testified that she saw Thompson expose himself at least 15 times. During one trial in 2002, she said, she heard the pump's "sh-sh" sound during the emotional testimony of the grandfather of a murdered toddler.

Foster told her story to authorities only after being subpoenaed, saying she feared she would lose her job. The investigation into Thompson's actions began after a police officer saw the pump in the judge's courtroom. Thompson fired Foster after the investigation began.

Thompson maintained his innocence, saying the white-handled device at the center of allegations against him was simply a prank gift that he never used.

"In 20-20 hindsight, I should have thrown it away," he testified.

In closing arguments Thursday, defense attorney Clark Brewster called the device "a joke."

Prosecutor Richard Smothermon said he would pursue a misdemeanor charge of misuse of state property against Thompson that was separated from the trial before opening statements.

"He was at the pinnacle of the justice system in Creek County, and now that justice system has held him to the same standard," Smothermon said.

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/oddities/story.html?id=5f0e910c-ff63-4d2a-a75e-760ea006e3f6&k=59231

Jury convicts former Oklahoma judge of indecent exposure Canadian Press
Published: Thursday, June 29, 2006 Article tools

BRISTOW, Okla. (AP) - 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.

His trial was moved to Bristow, 32 kilometres west of the Sapulpa courtroom where Thompson served.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/4014138.html

June 29, 2006, 10:20PM
Ex-Judge Convicted of Indecent Exposure

By SHAUN SCHAFER Associated Press Writer
© 2006 The Associated Press

BRISTOW, Okla. — A former 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 that she traced an unfamiliar "sh-sh" in the courtroom to her boss. She testified that she saw Thompson expose himself at least 15 times.

Thompson, who served for more than 20 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 bond, which his attorneys said would be posted Friday. Thompson's formal sentencing was scheduled for Aug. 14.

Prosecutor Patricia High said she was pleased with the outcome: "The same justice system that he abused held him accountable."

Defense attorney 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.

His trial was moved to Bristow, 20 miles west of the Sapulpa courtroom where Thompson served.