Indianapolis
An IMPD officer suspended over a sexual assault allegation says the act was consensual. Meanwhile, the alleged victim's attorney is speaking out.
Prosecutors say police officer Anthony Shaun Smith forced himself on a 19-year-old woman driver. He was charged Thursday on several counts.
The victim's attorney spoke to Eyewitness News.
"The conduct of the allegations is very disturbing considering it's a 19-year-old victim, female, in the middle of the night," said Patrick Baker, attorney.
On Friday, August 15th shortly after midnight, prosecutors say Officer Smith first approached the victim at this North Emerson Speedway gas station. Then he reportedly stopped her at this nearby Shell Gas station and ran her license plate. Smith allegedly threatened arrest for a warrant or get in his cruiser, which led to demands for sex.
The victim reported the encounter. Officer Smith, who first denied it, now insists it was consensual.
Prosecutors charged the 37-year-old with rape, criminal deviate conduct, two counts of sexual misconduct, three counts of official misconduct and two counts of intimidation.
Police Chief Michael Spears joined the prosecutor, saying there may be other victims.
"Any actions he's had in the past because we would like to hear about it because we want to continue our investigation," said Spears.
"The investigation led by Chief Spears is very appropriate and very swift and much needed," said Baker.
Investigators confiscated Smith's department-issued handgun, ammunition, bullet proof vest, three police badges, work ID other police equipment.
"We hope that this stops any future action by this particular police officer or any other police officers that have this tremendous power that they have with a badge, a police car and a gun," said Baker.
The jailed policeman declined interviews about the charges and now awaits his first day in court.
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