Jury Deliberates Fate Of Ex-Oklahoma Cop Accused Of Raping 13 Women

A jury deliberated on Tuesday in the case of a former Oklahoma City police officer accused of sexually assaulting and raping 13 women, who prosecutors said were targeted by the officer because they had troubles with the law.

Daniel Holtzclaw, 28, of Oklahoma City is charged with 36 counts of sexual assault, including six first-degree rape counts for attacks on 13 women. He could face life in prison if convicted of the most serious charges and was seen weeping when the judge read out the charges against him.

The jury deliberated for several hours on Monday night and resumed on Tuesday morning.

In closing arguments on Monday, prosecutors said Holtzclaw targeted his victims by singling out women he came across while on patrol. He ran background checks and went after those who had outstanding warrants or previous arrests or who carried drugs or drug paraphernalia, prosecutors said.

They said he did this because he did not think authorities would take the victims’ word over his if he had to defend himself against sexual assault allegations.

“He exercised authority on those society doesn’t care about. Convince these ladies that someone does care about them,” said Assistant District Attorney Gayland Gieger.

The defense said in its closing arguments the victims provided testimony that was unreliable and dishonest.

Defense attorney Scott Adams painted a picture of an honorable police officer whose daily activities were suddenly made to appear evil and suspicious.

Thirteen of Holtzclaw’s alleged victims took the stand in the trial, which began more than a month ago, telling jurors of sexual assaults that ranged from touching over their clothing to forced oral sex and rape.

Holtzclaw was fired over the accusations in January 2015 after approximately three years on the job.

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