Top Okla. Court Says Ex-Judge Forfeited Most of $7,800 Monthly Pension by Misconduct on Bench
A former Oklahoma judge who served felony time for indecent exposure after being convicted of using a sexual device while on the bench has forfeited most of his $7,800-a-month pension, including all of that amount attributable to his 22 years as a judge, the state’s top court ruled yesterday.
Former Creek County District Judge Donald D. Thompson committed multiple felonies during jury trials “and the offended parties included court personnel,” wrote Justice James Winchester in the Oklahoma Supreme Court opinion. “Court reporters observed the felonious exposure of Mr. Thompson’s private parts, and testified to the fact during the criminal trial.”
The decision, which also notes that Thompson violated his oath of office, upheld earlier rulings by the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System and state district court, according to the Associated Press and the Oklahoman.
He will still be entitled to collect a pension for his prior six-year stint as a state lawmaker, which occurred before a law providing for the forfeiture of pension benefits was enacted.
Thompson had argued that the forfeiture statute should only be applied to his final term on the bench, which began in 2002.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Ex-Judge Disbarred for Using Penis Pump During Trials”
