Former Judge's Sentence Modification Denied

Thursday, May 24th 2007, 3:37 pm

By: News On 6

BRISTOW, Okla. (AP) -- A former judge convicted of exposing himself while presiding over court cases lost a round Thursday in his bid to have his sentence reduced. Comanche County District Judge Allen McCall denied a sentence-modification request by former Creek County Judge Donald Thompson. Thompson, 60, is serving four, one-year prison terms. A jury convicted him in June 2006 of using a penis pump to masturbate while presiding over four trials in 2002 and 2003.

During a hearing last Friday, Thompson's attorney argued that almost all other inmates sent to prison for indecent exposure received concurrent sentences. Thompson was ordered to serve his sentences one at a time, resulting in far more prison time.

Defense attorney Clark Brewster also presented letters from numerous people recommending Thompson's release, including one from the foreman of the jury that convicted him.

Thompson testified during the hearing that further incarceration isn't necessary.

McCall said these arguments did not persuade him to reduce the sentence.

"Other than these personal opinions, defendant has presented no evidence in support of his motion," the judge wrote. "The court granted defendant's request for hearing with the hope of receiving some evidence which would both justify a modification of defendant's sentence and indicate a 'beginning of the end' to the harmful effects of this ordeal on both sides. Quite frankly, the court expected more than there is no need
for further incarceration."

Thompson was denied parole in December. His current discharge date is April 30, 2008.

Related stories:

12/4/2006 - Ex-Creek County Judge Denied Parole

5/16/2007 - Former Judge Thinks He's Served Enough Prison Time

5/18/2007 - Lawyers For A Convicted Judge Head Back To Court