Sen. Thompson honored by District Attorneys

State Sen. Roger Thompson has been selected to receive the Liberty Bell award by the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association. Thompson, R-Okemah, will be honored at an awards ceremony slated for August 17 in Oklahoma City.

Mike Boring is the current president of the association, and praised Thompson’s support of key legislation.

“From addressing issues related to sexual assault, uninsured motorists, DUI and drug possession to funding prosecutors’ offices in desperate need of resources, Senator Thompson has shown a particular dedication to the safety of the citizens of Oklahoma,” said Boring, who represents D.A. District 1, Beaver, Cimarron, Harper, and Texas counties.  “We are grateful for his service and his hard work in the Oklahoma State Senate.”

In the 2016 session Thompson championed legislation to close a loophole enabling some individuals convicted of D.U.I. to avoid more serious penalties despite multiple offenses. Legislation was also signed into law which will allow DNA samples to be collected upon arrest for a felony crime, which will help law enforcement to solve additional crimes, including cold cases. Thompson also helped pass legislation for tougher penalties to be handed down sooner in domestic violence cases with the aim of better protecting victims, as well a measure to close a loophole that had prevented the prosecution of a sodomy case in Oklahoma in which the victim was unconscious and unable to consent.

“Another important initiative we approved this year with the support of the District Attorneys Association was a slate of bills dealing with individuals convicted of non-violent offenses,” Thompson said. “These changes will ensure we still hold those convicted accountable, but will allow greater use of alternative sentencing, and give more discretion to prosecutors. This effort will save the state money that can be reinvested in education, mental health services and other areas that reduce incarceration rates, while ensuring we have the resources to keep Oklahoma’s most violent and dangerous criminals behind bars.”

“I’m grateful to the District Attorneys Association for this honor, and I look forward to continuing to work with them on legislation that enhances the safety and security of law abiding citizens throughout this district and across Oklahoma,” Thompson said.