Kelly Lynn, former Norman Ward 3 council member and Wewoka municipal judge, was arrested and held in direct contempt for aggressive behavior at the Oklahoma County Courthouse Thursday.
Prior to being arrested, Lynn was representing Mac Lee Brink in a child custody case. According to media outlet NonDoc, District Court Judge James Siderias ordered Lynn to be arrested for contempt during court proceedings in the case.
Lynn was transferred to District Judge Sheila Stinson’s courtroom where she sentenced him to five days in Oklahoma County jail for his behavior.
Oklahoma County assistant public defender Ryan Sullivan told NonDoc that Lynn was cursing at public defender Katie Carter, who asked for permission to approach the judge. Siderias then told Lynn not to speak to lawyers like that.
Sullivan said Lynn “became belligerent” after being reprimanded in court by Siderias. Lynn was warned he would be held in contempt if he did not stop. Lynn continued his behavior and said something to the effect of “I’ve got something for you, too,” to the judge, according to Sullivan. Lynn was then escorted by deputies upstairs.
OU Daily confirmed through Aaron Brilbeck, public information officer for the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, that Lynn was arrested and will be sentenced on Friday. Brilbeck told OU Daily that Lynn had a firearm when arrested.
Oklahoma law states municipal judges — including those who are also practicing attorneys — are permitted to carry a firearm on state property, including a courthouse.
In 2022, Lynn was accused of assaulting a woman in Norman at Louie’s Grill and Bar. Sally Little accused Lynn of grabbing her hair and clothing, yanking her toward the door and telling her to “Get the f--- out.”
Little filed a police report, but no charges were made against Lynn by Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn.
In 2023, Lynn lost his bid for reelection for his Ward 3 seat on Norman City Council. Prior to the election, Lynn was sworn in as Wewoka municipal judge, leading to a lawsuit against Lynn from the city. A Cleveland County judge ruled Lynn was illegally holding dual office and effectively vacated his Ward 3 seat when taking the Wewoka judge position.
In June, Lynn lost the primary election for the state Senate District 15 seat, a race Lisa Standridge later won in November. Lynn received 16.7% of the primary election vote.
Lynn will be brought back to Stinson’s courtroom for a follow-up hearing 1:30 p.m. Friday following his release from jail.
This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure and Peggy Dodd. Avery Avery and Sophie Hemker and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
