NORTH CHARLESTON, SC
It's a sight rarely seen in Charleston County bond court. Monday afternon, 40 year old Hanahan Police Detective Cassie Watson found himself on the other side of the legal fence.
Watson is accused of raping a woman Sunday night in her North Charleston home. The woman told police she met Watson through a dating service two years ago.
"We've had enough black eyes from officers doing things in the community across the country, that it still hurts you when something like this comes up," a stunned Hanahan Police Chief Donald Wilcox said.
According to court affidavits, the woman told police Watson pointed a gun in her face, forced her to remove her clothes and get on all fours. She told cops she felt if she didn't do what he said, she would end up in a body bag.
"We take every allegation even if it's just a speeding ticket complaint, seriously," Chief Wilcox said. "But when you're talking about potential felony cases, that's just unheard of, unbelievable."
This is not the first time Detective Watson had been on the news. Last April, he asked news reporters to help him solve of all things, a rape case.
"We have a face, no name, and this takes place, so it's almost as if a stranger has assaulted her out of the clear blue sky," Watson said at the time. Now the officer himself is a rape suspect, who will eventually have his day in court.
"As with anybody, innocent until proven guilty, and we'll have to see how the investigation goes," Chief Wilcox said.
Watson is facing three charges, including Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree and Kidnapping. A judge set his bond at $325,000. Chief Wilcox said Watson has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
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