Jury deliberations begin in case of accused judge

BRISTOW - The jury began deliberating the fate of former judge Donald Thompson at 3:30 p.m. today after the conclusion of closing arguments inside a packed courtroom.

Thompson faces four counts of indecent exposure. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Prosecutors allege Thompson used a penis pump during three murder trials and a civil case in 2002 and 2003.

Thompson’s long-time court reporter Lisa Foster said she also saw Thompson shave his scrotum and urinate into a trash can during jury trials.

Prosecutor Pattye High said jurors could not allow Thompson’s position and social status play into their verdict.

Thompson had abused his position and corrupted his office, she said.

“He was at the pinnacle of the Creek County justice system, a system that will now hold him accountable,” High said. “The punishment has got to fit the crime.”

Defense attorney Clark Brewster said the penis pump was a joke, “It’s busted up. It’s got a crack in it.” He said it was not an item the judge would or could have used on his penis.

High later removed her jacket and held the tube of the pump to the flesh of her arm. She pumped the handle until the cup sucked into place. She held it high in front of the jury.

“When you get in the jury room, if you don’t believe me, then glove up and try it,” High said, drawing chuckles in the gallery.

Brewster said Foster’s testimony was part of a power play, an effort to keep her job. She had to make a decision to get Thompson out of his office and hook on with the next judge or stay silent and go down with the Thompson.

“I don’t think Ms. Foster is lying,” Brewster said. “I think she’s seriously been led down the road to be the accuser.”

He has claimed she was a pawn of the Sapulpa police, who Brewster said wanted Thompson out of office.

Brewster said people around Foster mentioned things to her about urine in a trash can, a pump under the bench and disposable razors. He said Foster later manifested those sightings in the courtroom through “confabulation.”

Brewster also attempted to ingratiate the jury, saying he thought about foregoing his closing statements altogether because he was sure the jury would return a favorable verdict.

“I have blind faith in you 12 people,” Brewster said. “But I’m too chicken.”