Former Oklahoma Police Officer Found Gulity of Sexually Assualting Several African-American Women
A former Oklahoma police officer was found guilty Thursday of sexually assaulting and abusing several women from the low-income neighborhood he patrolled.
The Associated Press reports a jury convicted Daniel Holtzclaw on 18 counts, including four counts of first-degree rape, as well as charges of sexual battery, forcible oral sodomy and numerous other offenses.
The 29-year-old one-time aspiring football player hung his head and sobbed openly as the verdict was announced. Based on the recommended sentences by the jury, Holtzclaw is possibly facing more than 260 years in prison.
According to NBC News, District Attorney David Prater intends to ask that the sentences be served consecutively. Holtzclaw is scheduled to be sentenced in January.
"We're gonna ask the judge to make sure that this defendant never sees the light of day," Prater said.
Holtzclaw is accused of sexually coercing and assaulting at least 13 women, all African American. He faced 36 counts total, but was ultimately convicted on 18 counts to eight of the victims.
The youngest victim was 17 years old. She alleged Holtzclaw raped her on her front porch on the pretense of searching her. The victim's DNA was later discovered on Holtzclaw's pants.
Other accusers told similar accounts of Holtzclaw forcing sex upon them on the threat of arresting them for outstanding warrants or drug possession.
Many of the victims were initially afraid to come forward.
"I didn't think anyone would believe me," one victim testified. "I'm a black female."
Then in June of 2014, a 50-year-old woman -- identified as J.L. -- decided to go report her experience with Holtzclaw to the police. An investigation was launched soon after.
The case garnered the attention of the Black Lives Matter movement and other activists. Many were dismayed that the 12 selected members of the jury were all white. Four black men were rejected as candidates, and two reserves were reported to have possibly been Latino, given their last names.
"It's a problem for the nation," said 17-year-old victim's mother to the Associated Press.
Many were overjoyed, and in some cases amazed, to hear the verdict against Holtzclaw.
My greatest hope today is that police officers across the country, who routinely abuse Black women, now believe consequences are possible.
— Shaun King (@ShaunKing) December 11, 2015
The Oklahoma City Police Department, who fired Holtzclaw soon after the charges were made, said it in statement that it was pleased with the verdict.
"It is obvious the jury took their responsibilities very seriously and considered every piece of evidence presented to them," the department said. "We are satisfied with the jury's decision and firmly believe justice was served."
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