Former Judge Charged with Indecent Exposure

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

Former Judge Donald Thompson, 58, pleaded not guilty in the 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 on Thursday, Thompson was taken to a backroom 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.