A Prominent Tulsa Psychiatrist Goes To Court

Dr. Carl Peterson went before a Tulsa County District Court special judge Tuesday afternoon to learn whether he'd serve jail time for contempt of court. <br/><br/>It all started a year ago, when the

Tuesday, August 22nd 2006, 10:14 am

By: News On 6

Dr. Carl Peterson went before a Tulsa County District Court special judge Tuesday afternoon to learn whether he'd serve jail time for contempt of court.

It all started a year ago, when the state Department of Human Services took custody of his wife, because court records indicate he'd been drugging her.

News on 6 anchor Tami Marler says Vicki Jamison-Peterson, just a few years ago, was a vital, spiritual woman who had a heart for helping others. But her friends and family members say they started noticing a change in Vicki. "Shakiness, she would slur. Sometimes she would just. After working in the psych ward I knew there was something.â€ Ann Saxman says loved ones grew concerned that Vicki was being drugged and court records indicate Dr. Carl Peterson, a psychiatrist and Vicki's husband of 23 years had given her medication to help her sleep.

Ann Saxman: "It's an atrocity in this country that a vibrant woman like that would be given medicine that we don't know the side effects but as a practicing psychiatrist, youâ€™re supposed to know the side effects of the medications.â€

Court records indicate the drug was Seroquel, used to treat schizophrenia. The judge ruled Peterson gave it to Vicki against her best interest and ordered the prominent psychiatrist to stay a half-mile away from his wife.

He's already been sentenced to ten days in jail for violating the order. He's in court again, behind closed doors, to determine his punishment for violating it a second time. Because it was handled by Adult Protective Services, it was considered a family matter, so it was held in family court.

Tulsa County Judge Sara Smith closed the proceedings; although supporters on both sides waited outside the courtroom. "I know Carl as a kind and considerate gentle man, who actually cares about people, and would never intentionally do anything wrong." Joseph Nosak says he's known both Petersons for 20 years and he says Dr. Peterson was trying to help his wife, not hurt her, that this whole case is an effort to harm him. "Carl has really had to deal with some deep soul searching things as well because he's been attacked at his very heart.â€

Vicki Peterson's supporters say repeated exposure to the drugs may have permanently damaged her brain. Dr. Peterson's supporters say, the psychiatrist diagnosed his wife's illness and administered the medication he thought was best for her.

Court proceedings in the case are sealed.