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Thursday, June 29, 2006
By SHAUN SCHAFER, Associated Press Writer
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."
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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.
Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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