By Meghan McCormick
New security measures are expected at the Cleveland County Courthouse later this month following a stabbing that happened inside a courtroom last week, according to a letter sent to members of the Cleveland County Bar Association.
The changes come after two people allegedly brought weapons into the courthouse in separate incidents almost three months apart.
According to a letter that Cleveland County Bar Association president Craig Sutter sent to bar members, anyone who does not possess an identification card issued by the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department will need to enter the courthouse through the west door, Sutter's letter stated.
Deputies will search bags, briefcases and other items brought into the building. Wednesday afternoon, Sutter said he didn't know what specific changes will be made in regards to adopting new security measures. However, he agrees changes are needed.
"I think after last Thursday's incident, heightened security is a good idea," he said.
According to Sutter's letter, the north door will be locked as part of new security procedures.
"The east door will be open only to courthouse employees and attorneys who have an ID card issued by the Sheriff's Department," the letter stated.
The changes are expected a week after sex offender Troy Leal, 43, slit his own throat with an X-Acto knife after District Judge William Hetherington Jr., sentenced him to prison on a probation violation. Deputy Steve Lucas suffered stab wounds to his right arm and left hand in the ordeal. Both are expected to recover.
In August, a woman was arrested after she allegedly carried a handgun into the building and demanded to speak with District Attorney Greg Mashburn.
Phibbie Robinson, 47, of Norman, was arrested Aug. 20 on complaints of disorderly conduct and carrying a weapon inside a county building. Court records show Robinson's case is still pending.
According to Sutter's letter, attorneys can have ID cards made 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today in the District Attorney Conference Room.
"Only attorneys who are members of the Cleveland County Bar Association (the sheriff has been provided with a current roster) will be eligible for a photo-ID card," Sutter said. "Attorneys who are not members but would like to become eligible for an ID card will need to download an application from the CCBA Web site and forward it along with a check to Judge Stephen Bonner, CCBA treasurer, and present copies of the application and check in a satisfactory manner to the Sheriff's Department to establish new CCBA membership."
Sutter said the ID card will need to be worn at all times within the courthouse.
Norman attorney Robert Pendarvis picked up his identification card Wednesday. Pendarvis said he supports improving security at the courthouse.
"I agree with the installation of security measures," he said.
Pendarvis, a member of the Cleveland County Bar Association, said it will be up to the sheriff's department to decide the new security and access rules.
"The Cleveland County Bar Association worked with the prior sheriff and was cooperative with having security at the courthouse," Pendarvis said.
He said last Thursday's stabbing and the August incident show security is necessary in the building.
"We know that these incidents occurred throughout the United States in various courthouses. Our courthouse has enough activity that, yes, it's necessary to implement security measures," Pendarvis said.
Not everyone agrees the extra security presence will work.
Connie Allbritton of Big Red Bail Bonds conducts regular business at the courthouse. Allbritton doesn't look forward to stepping through a metal detector or having her belongings searched.
"It will be a little bit of an inconvenience," she said.
Allbritton said she only takes necessary items with her when she visits the courthouse. She already goes through the process at both Oklahoma and Canadian County courthouses.
She said even with new security measures in place, someone will still find a way to smuggle a weapon into the courthouse.
"I think there's always crazy people. If someone wanted to get an X-Acto knife into the courthouse, they could," Allbritton said.
