Former Creek County Judge Arrested

Former Creek County judge, Donald Thompson, was booked into the Tulsa jail on a complaint of driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Friday, December 5th 2008, 9:18 am

By: News On 6

By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A former Creek County Judge is in trouble with the law again. Donald Thompson is out on bond, after he was arrested early Friday morning. He's accused of driving drunk and hitting a bridge wall.

Donald Thompson once behind the bench will be back in front of it. He served time for his crimes, but it seems like they still haunt him.

Once a state lawmaker and long-time judge, he was a convicted felon and a state prisoner. Now, he's a suspected drunk driver.

Back in 2004, Donald Thompson wielded his gavel with authority in Creek County, ruling the state couldn't enforce a smoking ban in restaurants and delaying a ban on cockfighting. Then accusations surfaced that he was using a sexual device, while on the bench, during court proceedings.

The attorney general asked for him to be removed in June of 2004. He resigned in August. And, indecent exposure charges were filed in January of 2005. Donald Thompson was convicted a year and a half later.

After serving almost two years in prison, Thompson was once again behind bars Friday morning. An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper spotted his car on the side of a roadway. In the police report, the trooper described Thompson as very intoxicated with blood shot eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol.

The trooper also reported the front end of Thompson's car was damaged, he later determined the ex-judge hit a nearby bridge wall.

The report says Thompson failed three field sobriety tests. And, a breathalyzer showed his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit.

Donald Thompson's attorney Clark Brewster told The News On 6 he has not reviewed the case. He calls the situation a terrible tragedy. And, he says Thompson has been under incredible anxiety and stress as a result of the last four years. Brewster says his firm will do its best to offer Thompson representation and friendship.