Oklahoma

Oklahoma Prosecutor Suspended for Secret Monitoring of Jury During Murder Trial

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OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — A former assistant district attorney in Oklahoma has been handed a six-month suspension after he was found watching a live feed of jury deliberations in a high-profile murder case. The state’s highest court finalized the suspension of Isaac Seth Brantley Shields on March 25, following events that challenged the integrity of the courtroom. The incident, which took place on July 1, 2022, during the trial of Robert Kent Kraft of Chouteau, Oklahoma, involved Shields observing a jury as they deliberated over a case in which Kraft was accused of fatally stabbing … Read more

Oklahoma Lawmaker Raises Concerns Over Misuse of Law Designed to Protect Police Privacy

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Lawton, Okla. – A controversial law in Oklahoma intended to shield the personal details of law enforcement officers from public exposure is facing criticism from within, as concerns arise over potential misuse. Passed in 2021, the legislation imposes strict penalties for the unauthorized sharing of law enforcement officials’ information online. State Representative Justin Humphrey, the legislator behind this act, recently voiced concerns following reports that a sheriff allegedly exploited the law to arrest and incarcerate a vocal critic. The move by the sheriff has sparked a debate over the balance between protecting officer privacy and … Read more

Trump Administration Withdraws Federal Lawsuits Against Iowa and Oklahoma Over State Immigration Laws

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Washington — The Trump administration on Friday took significant steps to set aside ongoing lawsuits targeting immigration policies in Iowa and Oklahoma. These lawsuits, initiated by the Biden administration, have been a flashpoint for debate over state-level strategies that criminalize the presence of undocumented immigrants. Under scrutiny are the laws implemented by Iowa and Oklahoma that empower state and local authorities to arrest individuals on the basis of their immigration status, particularly those with existing deportation orders or historical denials of entry into the U.S. This legislative movement mirrors a similar, though briefly enacted, policy … Read more

Oklahoma Jury Awards $15 Million to Woman in Landmark Peeping Tom Case

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Tulsa, Oklahoma — In a landmark decision, a Tulsa jury awarded Kathryn Wainscott $15 million in damages after she filed a lawsuit against Daniel Toy, a man who secretly recorded her in his bathroom. This ruling is drawing attention to gaps in legislation concerning privacy violations and digital misconduct. Wainscott, unsuspecting at the time, was recorded during a 2021 visit to Toy’s home. Toy, who had been the best man at her wedding, betrayed her trust by setting up hidden cameras in his guest bathroom. The disturbing discovery was made after Toy was arrested for … Read more