Former Oklahoma judge avoids trial

William H. “Bill” Layden Jr., 62, was accused in the 2011 felony case of conspiring to obstruct an embezzlement investigation involving Pittsburg County's drug court.

The investigation resulted in an embezzlement indictment against former drug court administrator Angela Marcum.

Marcum, 41, is accused in the still-pending case of embezzling more than $27,950 in fees collected from drug court participants.

The conspiracy charge against Layden was dismissed Wednesday after he signed a deferred prosecution agreement. He continues to deny wrongdoing.

Under the agreement with Attorney General Scott Pruitt, the former judge could be prosecuted further if he violates any laws, does not tell the truth, fails to make restitution payments or holds public office.

A deferred prosecution is different from a deferred sentence.