Chuckles Overheard in Payne County Court

By SGW Lt. Jon Cunningham, Payne County

I had court today in Payne County regarding an individual that had a Mountain Lion for a pet. The defendant's lawyer was questioning me about the license required to lawfully possess. During the questioning this is what the lawyer asked:

"Lt. Cunningham, are you aware of any incident in which the Mountain Lion violated my client?"

I looked at the judge and he was grinning ear to ear. I asked the lawyer to repeat the question. The lawyer again said, "Lt. Cunningham, are you aware of any incident in which Mr. A***** was violated by the Mountain Lion?"

Again I looked at the judge and by now he was about to bust. He was not wanting to look at me and I was about to break out laughing but I kept my composure. I looked at the court reporter and she too was having a hard time keeping it together as well.

I then asked the lawyer to rephrase her question. This time she said, "Lt. Cunningham, are you aware of any time Mr. A**** violated the Mountain Lion?"

I said, "No ma'm, I have not been privileged to that type of information, but if that's happened other charges may need to be filed."

I continued, "Do you mean, am I aware of your client violating any laws in regards to the possession of the Mountain Lion?"

She said, "Yes, yes, that's what I mean."

I then told her, "I have issued one citation to the defendant in the past for failure to keep the Mountain Lion confined."

Most fun I've had in court in a while!