An Oklahoma decide was caught texting and checking social media in the midst of a trial for a person accused of killing a 2-year-old boy, based on a media report.

Security cameras captured Lincoln County District Judge Traci Soderstrom utilizing her telephone for private functions through the trial’s jury choice, opening statements and testimony, based on courtroom video obtained by The Oklahoman. 

Khristian Tyler Martzall was on trial for first-degree homicide within the demise of his then-girlfriend’s son Braxton Danker in 2018. Martzall was finally convicted of second-degree manslaughter.

District Attorney Adam Panter advised the newspaper that Judge Soderstrom spent “several hours” on her telephone all through the course of the trial.

“It is both shocking and disappointing,” Mr. Panter advised The Oklahoman. “Jurors are banned from using cellphones in the courtroom during trials because we expect them to give their full time and attention to the evidence being presented. I would expect and hope the court would hold itself to the same standard required of the jurors, regardless of the type of case.”

Courtroom cameras noticed Judge Soderstrom resting the telephone on her lap and putting it inside an open drawer whereas she sat on the bench.

The Oklahoma Council on Judicial Complaints requested the courtroom video Wednesday, which was turned over by Lincoln County Sheriff Charlie Dougherty. The Oklahoman didn’t elaborate on what led the state company, which investigates decide misconduct allegations, to request the video. 

Judge Soderstrom was elected final fall and was formally sworn in on Jan. 9. Her time period expires in 2027.

Content Source: www.washingtontimes.com