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A routine visit to a Tulsa courthouse turned into a nightmare when reporter Ron Durban was arrested for contempt of court after simply waving at Judge Sharon Holmes. The incident, captured on livestream, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about judicial overreach in Oklahoma's legal system.
Durban had visited the courthouse after learning that a protective order Holmes had filed against him was dismissed the previous night. His interaction with the judge lasted exactly two seconds: he walked into the courtroom, waved hello, and immediately left.
The Arrest That Defied Logic
What happened next shocked viewers watching the live broadcast. Judge Holmes left her own courtroom in the middle of proceedings and ordered sheriff's deputies to arrest Durban for contempt of court. When deputies attempted to drag him into a locked back office with no cameras, Durban refused to comply, citing the obvious safety concerns.
The situation escalated when another journalist attempted to follow and document the arrest. A deputy physically shoved the journalist approximately six feet, despite no order being given to leave the area and no restricted access signs being posted.
Holmes had previously gained notoriety for holding the current record in Oklahoma for most judicial complaints filed against a single judge. She was also previously caught drinking and driving, according to the livestream discussion.
A Conflict of Interest That Raises Eyebrows
The most troubling aspect of this case emerged when supporters discovered the arraignment details. Durban is scheduled to appear at 9 a.m. in courtroom 506, which is typically presided over by Judge Holmes herself. This means the same judge who ordered his arrest may now be responsible for setting his bail.
Before his arrest, Durban had specifically requested that Holmes recuse herself under Rule 15, citing their ongoing lawsuit. She ignored this request and proceeded with the arrest order anyway. Legal experts note that judges typically must step aside from cases involving parties with whom they have active litigation.
The timing couldn't be more suspicious. The protective order that Holmes had sought against Durban was dismissed just hours before his arrest, potentially creating additional motivation for what appears to be retaliatory action.
The System Closes Ranks
Attempts to secure Durban's release revealed a coordinated effort to keep him locked up. Despite contempt charges typically allowing for immediate bail hearings, jail officials claimed no bail could be set until the following morning. Multiple judges' offices were contacted, but assistants repeatedly claimed their bosses were "in meetings" or unavailable.
When supporters visited the courthouse to speak with other judges, they encountered a wall of bureaucracy. Judge Moody's assistant claimed to be "fully aware" of the situation but offered no assistance. Other judges' staff refused to even take messages.
The sheriff's department proved equally unhelpful. When asked about the arrest procedures and whether any investigation had been conducted, Sergeant Collins deflected all questions to a public information officer who was conveniently unavailable.
A Desperate Race Against Time
With traditional legal channels blocked, supporters launched a frantic effort to secure emergency legal representation. Phone calls to multiple attorneys seeking a writ of habeas corpus went unanswered as business hours ticked away. The message was clear: Durban would spend the night in jail regardless of the questionable circumstances of his arrest.
Adding to the urgency, Durban suffers from heart conditions requiring daily medication. Supporters attempted to deliver his medication to the jail, highlighting the human cost of what many are calling a vindictive arrest.
The incident has drawn attention to broader patterns of misconduct within the Tulsa County courthouse system, where accountability journalism continues to face systematic resistance from officials who prefer to operate in darkness.
What Happens Next Remains Unknown
As supporters prepare for tomorrow's arraignment, one crucial question remains unanswered: will Judge Holmes recuse herself, or will she preside over the case of a man she ordered arrested? The courtroom at 9 a.m. promises to be packed with observers demanding transparency in what many are calling a clear abuse of judicial power.
The full confrontation, arrest, and rescue attempt were captured on multiple camera angles, but the ultimate resolution of this constitutional crisis depends on what happens when that courtroom door closes tomorrow morning.
Watch the complete arrest footage and failed rescue attempt to see how far officials will go to silence accountability journalism.
