Lincoln County commissioners during their meeting this week voted unanimously to remove a box that was blacking out the security camera over District Judge Traci Soderstrom’s bench area in her courtroom.
Judge Soderstrom has come under investigation by the Oklahoma Council of Judicial Complaints for reportedly using her cell extensively during a seven-day murder trial in June that she presided over.
The judge reportedly had the camera moved on Monday, July 17, after it was revealed she apparently was on her cell phone during the trial after having banished the jury from using theirs.
Last month, District Attorney Adam Panter of Pottawatomie and Lincoln Counties said, “After receiving a tip from courthouse personnel, I reviewed surveillance video from above the judge’s bench and can confirm that the judge spent hours of the trial on her cell phone both texting and scrolling social media.
“It’s both shocking and disappointing to learn. Jurors are banned from using cell phones in the courtroom during trials because we expect them to give their full time and attention to the evidence being presented,” Panter added at that time.
Sgt. Aaron Bennett, spokesman for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, last month confirmed that the Oklahoma Council of Judicial Complaints is investigating the judge. Bennett said Sheriff Charlie Dougherty turned over surveillance video after being requested to do so by the Council of Judicial Complaints.
Bennett emphasized, “We’re not investigating the judge and are not part of it. That’s the Council of Judicial Complaints.”
“We didn’t release the video to any media outlet,” he said.
District 3 County Commissioner Lee Doolen, who is chairman of the commissioners, indicated recently that commissioners had received a number of emails concerning the judge’s actions and were concerned about her blacking out the area over her bench in the courtroom.
He said that is what prompted the agenda item for this week’s meeting.
Sheriff Charlie Dougherty explained during Monday’s meeting he is the coordinator and administrator of courthouse security.
The judge apparently had expressed concern about people being able to read the notes she was taking during court procedures.
However, Dougherty pointed out that wasn’t possible.
“We’re still fine with the security,” he said. “It’s difficult for us to know who is going to be on the bench at what times.”
District 2 Commissioner Marlin Miller moved to have the box blacking out the camera removed, and District 1 Commissioner Will Fine seconded it.
All three voted in favor of the motion.
Commissioners also voted unanimously to create an Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board and appointed the seven members to that board.
The idea has been discussed at the last couple of meetings of the commissioners and the group is to begin addressing what has been termed “An EMS crisis” in Lincoln County.
Appointed to served on the board are Darrel Kee, from Miller EMS, Tre McMcPherson, of Survival Flight, Bobby Buchannan, Chandler Fire Chief, Stroud City Manager Bob Pearman, Mike Callanan, Agra Fire Chief, Blaine Pace, Iowa Tribe Fire Chief, and Cody Mc-Donell, Emergency Management Director.
McDonell advised commissioners Pearman has agreed to chair the group. He further informed them each has agreed to serve on the board.
Doolen noted, “I think this group is important right now to serve as an advisory board to see how we want to go.”
In other business, commissioners: Approved a change order for a bridge in District 1.
Approved corrections to two resolutions in District 1 on the Prague Lake Road project.
Took no action on approving an introduction period for all new Lincoln County employees.
Approved Apprentice agreements for Lincoln County.
Adopted a resolution to set up accounts for the ARPA jail fund accounts for the jail renovation and expansion.
Approved a commercial lease agreement between Joe Ready, Lincoln County and Oklahoma State University Extension Center, Lincoln County Office. County Clerk Alicia Wagnon said the agreement is $2,000 monthly including all utilities.
Acknowledged the District Judge’s appointment of Bill Tackett from Prague to Excise/Equalization Board from District 1.
Approved a 258 Safety Inspection of Lincoln County facilities.
Reviewed quotes for First Responder cell phone plans.
Following an executive session, commissioners returned to open meeting and voted a pay raise for Emergency Management Deputy Director Charlotte Brown.
Approved a contract for mowing services for Emergency Management with the Jeremiah House.