Former Oklahoma County judge gives up practicing law because of sex scandal

Nolan Clay, The Oklahoman
·2 min read
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A former Oklahoma County district judge who stepped down because of a sex scandal is no longer even an attorney.

Tim Henderson, 65, agreed in October "to relinquish my right to practice law." The Oklahoma Supreme Court voted 8-0 on Monday to accept his resignation from the legal profession. He had been an attorney since 1988.

He cannot seek reinstatement for five years.

The Supreme Court in August was asked to discipline Henderson for his secretive sexual relationships with two Oklahoma County prosecutors. Justices could have disbarred him, suspended him for a time or reprimanded him.

By resigning instead, Henderson avoided further publicity from testimony that had been scheduled for next week. "I admit my conduct brought discredit upon the legal profession and was prejudicial to the administration of justice," he wrote.

More: Oklahoma County judge resigns after allegations of sexual misconduct

He also avoided paying a large bill for the costs of the disciplinary proceedings. Justices in April ordered a disbarred attorney to pay $24,797 in costs. Justices ordered Henderson to pay $153.

Henderson quit as a judge in 2021 after being accused of sexual misconduct. He had been a judge since 2012.

At least five women came forward during an investigation. Two were the prosecutors. Both were assigned to his courtroom at the time of the relationships. Both are no longer at the Oklahoma County Courthouse.

Henderson denied sexually assaulting anyone, and a special prosecutor decided last year not to file charges.

Making the request for discipline was the Oklahoma Bar Association, which is made up of the state's lawyers. The OBA told justices about three criminal cases that had been overturned because of the scandal.

It identified the prosecutors only by initials and told justices both alleged the sexual contact was nonconsensual. Henderson has characterized the relationships as consensual affairs.

He remains married and lives in Owasso, his attorney said..

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Sex scandal cost former Oklahoma County judge his law license