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CREEK COUNTY, OK---Jury selection begins Monday in the trial of a former judge who's accused of indecent exposure for allegedly using a penis pump beneath his black robe during a murder trial.
Former district judge Donald Thompson, 59, faces four felony counts of indecent exposure. An additional misdemeanor charge against Thompson for his alleged misuse of a state computer will also be tried although Thompson's attorney had argued that it was an effort by prosecutors to prejudice Thompson before the jury. The charge alleges that Thompson placed pornographic photos of himself and a woman on his judicial computer.
If convicted on all counts, Tompson could face up to 41 years in prison.
Prosecutors and attorneys for Thompson have been warned by Judge Alan McCall to conduct themselves in a professional manner during the trial. The trial is like to be one of the most sexually explicit trials ever held in Oklahoma.
In December, following a preliminary hearing, a judge found that enough probable cause existed for Thompson to proceed to trial. Over 100 witnesses are expected to be called and it is expected the trial will last at least two weeks.
It is expected that an analysis of a penis pump by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation will be part of the trial evidence as well as photographs of another penis pump allegedly used by Thompson on the bench.
Thompson was arrested last year. A judge for over 22 years prior to his resignation, Thompson is collecting his $88,000 annual pension but if convicted, the pension would be revoked.
The case centers on complaints against Thompson made from two court stenographers who allegedly witnessed Thompson exposing himself while presiding at trials during 2003.
DNA samples have reportedly been taken and processed by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. However, according to test results, there were no signs of Thompson's DNA on any of the materials seized from around the judge's bench including the carpet.
Thompson has denied the accusations and says that the pump seized was a gag gift from a friend. The sex toy and another one found under the bench will be admitted as evidence at trial and jurors will be allowed to see the sex toy.
Jurors told police that they heard whooshing noises coming from the bench during the proceedings. 6-08-06
© 2006 North
Country Gazette
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