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Guilty: Judge Accused Of Using Penis Pump In Court
Court Reporter Fired After Giving Statement
UPDATED: 11:48 am EDT June 30, 2006
BRISTOW, Okla. -- A jury in Oklahoma has convicted a former judge of exposing himself by using a sexual device behind the bench while presiding over court cases.
The 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 device known as a "penis pump" in the judge's courtroom. The charges involved four separate jury trials in 2002 and 2003.
Long-time court reporter Lisa Foster testified that she traced an unfamiliar sound in the courtroom to her boss. She testified that she saw Thompson expose himself at least 15 times.
Thompson denied using the device and said it was a gag gift that he kept under his bench but he denied ever using it. He suggested that members of the Sapulpa Police Department and court personnel plotted against him.
Foster told her story to authorities only after being subpoenaed, saying she feared she would lose her job. Thompson fired Foster after the investigation began.
Several people testified that they never saw him do anything inappropriate.
The witnesses said they were present during trials when Thompson allegedly used a sexual device called a "penis pump" or shaved himself and never saw nor heard anything unusual.
The witnesses included attorney Creekmore Wallace and Creek County District Attorney's Office investigator Ed Willingham.
Sentencing is set for Aug. 14.
Thomas served more than 20 years on the bench in eastern Oklahoma before his retirement in 2004. The conviction will require Thompson to register as a sex offender, and could jeopardize his $7,489.91-a-month pension from the state.
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Lance Allen Wilkinson
Recoveries by L.A.W.
Serving since 1984
“What is sought is found... what is overlooked escapes” (Oedipus Rex)
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