On Monday, September 9, 2024, The Oklahoman reported that Brian Lovell, an associate district judge in Garfield County, has resigned from his position following a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia. This resignation comes amid serious allegations of misconduct, including two drive-by shootings and sexual improprieties.

Lovell, who has served as a judge since 2011, informed Governor Kevin Stitt of his immediate resignation for health reasons. In a two-page letter, he stated that his condition is progressive and incurable, requiring only medical management. Lovell expressed gratitude for his time in office, stating, “It has been my honor and privilege to serve the people of the State of Oklahoma.”

His resignation effectively halts ongoing ouster proceedings against him in the Oklahoma Court on the Judiciary, which was scheduled to hold a hearing on Thursday. Lovell has faced accusations of engaging in sexual relationships with two female bailiffs, including inappropriate conduct within the courthouse. Additional allegations include showing favoritism towards an attorney, unjustifiably sealing a criminal case and misleading investigators about his actions.

In addition to these allegations, Lovell is currently facing criminal charges in both Texas and Oklahoma related to the shooting incidents. Lovell, 59, has not adjudicated any cases since his arrest in Texas nearly a year ago and has remained on the state payroll, earning an annual salary of $154,678.

The judge revealed in his resignation letter that psychiatrist Jason Beaman diagnosed him with dementia. Beaman, who recently became the chief medical officer at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, indicated that Lovell’s diagnosis could explain behavioral issues that had previously been attributed to him. Lovell noted that these behaviors seemed out of character for him and his family.

Lovell’s attorney, Stephen Jones, clarified that the resignation was not part of a plea deal with prosecutors regarding the criminal allegations. He emphasized that Lovell’s decision was solely based on his health concerns. Jones also mentioned that Lovell is a cancer survivor, having undergone surgery that involved the removal of half of his thyroid.

The details of the shooting incidents involving Lovell are troubling. He faces eight felony counts of deadly conduct and a misdemeanor for reckless driving in Texas. Following a traffic collision in Austin on September 11, 2023, police discovered a firearm linked to a drive-by shooting in Lovell’s vehicle. He is accused of shooting at eight parked cars while driving recklessly and is also charged with nearly causing another vehicle to collide with oncoming traffic.

In Oklahoma, Lovell is charged with using a vehicle to facilitate the discharge of a firearm, linked to an alleged shooting incident at his brother-in-law’s ranch in February 2023. Investigators only identified him as a suspect after his arrest in Texas. Fortunately, none of the incidents resulted in injuries.

The allegations of extramarital affairs further complicate Lovell’s situation. Despite being married, Lovell acknowledged having a sexual relationship with one bailiff in 2011 and did not deny a relationship with a second bailiff last year. He characterized any potential misconduct as private matters between consenting adults. However, his attorneys claimed that Lovell’s memory issues, a symptom of his dementia, influenced his recollection of events, including the nature of his relationship with the second bailiff.

Both bailiffs involved in the allegations had previously worked for another Garfield County district judge and resigned due to their involvement with Lovell. One of the bailiffs stated that she and Lovell last had an encounter on September 9, 2023, expressing a desire to forget the past year.

 

 

Source: The Oklahoman