Prater, Judge Disagree In Ersland Case

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater and District Judge Tammy Bass-LeSure argued today over whether accused killer Jerome Ersland should have access to a firearm while at work if he makes the $100,000 bail the judge set.

Prater, who yesterday filed a first degree murder charge against Ersland after viewing videotape of the shooting of robber Antwun Parker, argued Ersland should be able to defend himself and fellow pharmacy employees if another robbery is attempted. The judge disagreed.

The hearing turned contentious when Prater asked the judge not to bar Ersland from access to a gun while at the store. He argued Ersland still has a right to defend himself and pharmacy employees if the store is robbed again.

He said the restriction either meant Ersland would be fired from his job or crooks now know it is "open season" at the pharmacy if Ersland is there. The district attorney said his position sounds crazy but under the law Ersland has the right to protect himself. Courtroom spectators applauded Prater's statement.

The judge refused to change her decision, saying Ersland can get another job. "If somebody wants to be around him, they are not going to have access to a gun," the judge said.

"That's wrong," Prater replied.

The judge ruled that Ersland, 57, of Chickasha will be under house arrest if he makes bail and can only leave his home to go to his doctor, see his attorney, go to court, go to the grocery store, go to restaurants, go to church and to work.

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