http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6850409/

Ex-judge denies bad bench behavior
Former Oklahoma jurist accused of using sex device in court
Updated: 9:57 p.m. ET Jan. 20, 2005

OKLAHOMA CITY - A former state judge who allegedly used a sex device called a penis pump in court was charged Thursday with three felony counts of indecent exposure by Oklahoma authorities.

Former Judge Donald Thompson, 58, pleaded not guilty in Creek County District Court in the northeastern Oklahoma town of Sapulpa. If convicted, Thompson could face up to 10 years in prison for each count.

At the courthouse Thursday, Thompson was taken to a back room, where he provided a DNA sample to authorities.

Last year, a court reporter who worked for Thompson was fired after she said she saw the judge masturbate and use the penis pump during hearings. Other witnesses claimed they saw Thompson use the pump in court.

Thompson stepped down in August after the allegations came to light and the state attorney general acted to remove him from the bench.

Officials searched Thompson’s courtroom and chambers and performed tests on carpet, a chair, a trash can and the judge’s robe.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for March 22.

Copyright 2005 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.