LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: A Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer has been called out by a Clark County top prosecutor and two prosecutors in his office for making an inappropriate hand gesture in court.
Deputy District Attorney Morgan Thomas accused the defense attorney, Jonathan MacArthur, of making a hand gesture to slap her behind, per 8 News Now.
Who is Jonathan MacArthur?
A graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law, MacArthur is a Senior Attorney at Jonathan E MacArthur, PC, as indicated by his LinkedIn profile. He also holds a BA in Political Science and Economics from the University of Nevada - Las Vegas.
MacArthur has been accused of making a spanking gesture inside the courthouse of Clark County. This prompted Thomas to write in a statement to News 8 Now, “As a female attorney, I find the actions of Mr. MacArthur to be highly offensive and inappropriate.”
Thomas was in the court on Wednesday to reset a trial date in a sexual assault case with Chief Deputy District Attorney Jake Villani, and MacArthur.
Thomas continued in the statement, “This incident occurred in the middle of open court, during a criminal calendar, with numerous attorneys and inmates present.”
Saying that MacArthur’s actions were both “offensive” and “confusing”, the prosecutor claimed, “I have never experienced that level of disrespect in open court.”
“While in court there should be a level of decorum and respect for the system, the process, and the party standing on the other side,” Thomas said.
Thomas accused MacArthur of making slapping noises and making hand gestures. While confused at first, when she reviewed the courtroom video, she realized what was happening.
Thomas further accused the defense attorney of behaving in an “unacceptable” manner, “Mr MacArthur showed a lack of respect towards myself and the Court. His behavior was completely unacceptable.”
What did Jonathan MacArthur say?
In a statement to 8 News Now, MacArthur at first stated, “Last Friday, August 4th, 2023, DA Jake Villani, his co-counsel Morgan Thomas, and myself completed a two-week trial that resulted in a hung jury.”
He praised Thomas and said, “As a result, the case will have to be retried before a different jury in October of this year. None of the following should reflect negatively on Ms Thomas in any way as she remained a consummate professional throughout.”
MacArthur, however, accepts making a gesture but not specifically towards Thomas, “In court this morning, and while the court was addressing a matter different than ours, I made a gesture implying that I metaphorically intend to spank Mr Villani during the next trial.”
Commenting on his and a senior DA’s relationship, “The gesture was made at Mr Villani’s expense, but made in order to entertain a senior DA from his office also present in the audience. That DA and I enjoy a much more collegial relationship and found it quite funny.”
He also shed light on his and Villani’s not-so-cordial relationship saying, “Mr Villani and I have shared a contentious professional relationship for many years.”
“Outside of courtroom settings, we have postured and exchanged insults on many occasions. This case has been no exception,” continued MacArthur.
The defense attorney however continued, “Given the amount of mutual acrimony between DA Villani and I, I am surprised that he has resorted to complaining to the media to tip public perception in his favor.”
However, he acceded, “While my conduct this morning was less than formal, I have built a career upon not cowering to prosecutors when they attempt to bully me or my clients.”
