Reluctant witness testifies after threat of jail

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The threat of jail convinced a reluctant witness to testify before a multicounty grand jury investigating a former judge accused of sexual impropriety. <br/><br/>Prosecutors want Angela

Tuesday, December 7th 2004, 8:42 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The threat of jail convinced a reluctant witness to testify before a multicounty grand jury investigating a former judge accused of sexual impropriety.

Prosecutors want Angela McClanahan of Sapulpa to testify in a case involving former Creek County District Judge Donald Thompson. Thompson resigned after being accused of using a sexual device during a trial.

The Oklahoman reports McClanahan initially refused to testify and a judge cited her for contempt and ordered her jailed.

Oklahoma County Sheriff's Captain Kelly Marshall says McClanahan changed her mind while en route to the county jail.

McClanahan was in tears as she returned before Judge Robert Simms Monday afternoon and agreed to testify Tuesday afternoon.

Investigators have said a search of Thompson's computer found explicit e-mails exchanged between Thompson and McClanahan.

McClanahan has said she handled Thompson's rental property business and denies any improper relationship with him. She says she believes a hacker created the e-mails.