OK County Judge Receives Supreme Court Reprimand

A district judge in Oklahoma County has been privately reprimanded--- nine months after she was accused of judicial misconduct. 

An investigation was launched in April of 2024 after Oklahoma County Sheriff Tommie Johnson filed a formal complaint.

Through an open records request, acting on a tip, News 9 uncovered the complaint and other documents—in which Johnson accuses Judge Amy Palumbo of humiliating his deputies and scheming for his arrest.

“I feel like the end goal would have been to try to get a glimpse or image of me being carried out of that room in handcuffs,” said Oklahoma County Sheriff Tommie Johnson.

In January, in a letter, addressed to Sheriff Tommie Johnson, Chief Justice Dustin Rowe stated he had “issued a private reprimand with instructions to Judge Amy Palumbo.” 

Due to privacy laws, its details will not be made public.

Actions leading up to the complaint

In sworn statements, on April 17, 2024, 4 Oklahoma County deputies stated Oklahoma County District Judge Amy Palumbo expressed her dissatisfaction with courthouse security and the noise volume outside her courtroom.

“I was told the noise was too loud in the hallway,” said Sheriff Johnson.

The deputies claimed Judge Palumbo began shouting.

“Just completely berated them,” said Johnson.

One deputy stated ", I was completely humiliated and disrespected. Judge Palumbo's outburst was unwarranted, unprofessional, and unprovoked."

Shortly thereafter-- Johnson said he received a text message from Judge Palumbo that ordered him to appear before her.

Not in court at the time of her demand, Johnson said he sought advice from Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond.

“I am being jailed for doing nothing wrong? My mind is going crazy,” said Johnson. 

He later learned numerous people and media outlets including News 9 had been invited to the judge’s courtroom to witness his arrest on complaints of contempt.

“Dignitaries invited, media invited, I’m in contempt. If that isn’t a soap opera setup for something to happen towards me --that they want documented, I don't know what is,” said Johnson.           

Johnson said Drummond confirmed to him that Palumbo had crossed the line. 

“Why am I talking to my wife and my kids about me going to jail for doing nothing wrong?” said Johnson.     

Days later Johnson filed a formal complaint.

“To illegally infringe on my rights. no due process, you're just going to throw me in jail for what? Cause you felt like it. That shouldn’t exist in our judicial system,” said Johnson.         

Johnson calling for more transparency and accountability

“Now we have a judge who's in a position, who's granted all of this power, and you're willing to abuse your power that the bench gives you. It's not given to one person,” said Johnson.

Judge Amy Palumbo did not respond to News 9 request for comment.

In an election year, Sheriff Johnson says unfounded or not—his arrest would have likely changed the course of his career.