Saturday, December 12, 2009

Hearing Set for Former Officer Rodney Frick Accused of Raping Minor

Rodney Frick, a former Pocola auxiliary police officer accused of raping a minor, will have a preliminary hearing of his case at 9 a.m. Jan. 14, according to court records.

Frick, 51, of Pocola had an initial appearance in District Court on Thursday. Frick is accused of second-degree rape and soliciting sexual conduct or communication with a minor by use of technology.

Preliminary hearings are held to allow the judge to determine if there is sufficient evidence of the alleged offense/s to bind defendants over for trial.

District Attorney Jeffrey Smith has said that Frick, who also owns Hot Rod’s BBQ in Pocola, turned himself in on a complaint he had sex on multiple occasions with a teenager over an up to two-year period.

Smith has said Frick met the teen through his restaurant and is not suspected of illegal activity with any other minors.

Frick was arrested Nov. 10 and released on a $10,000 bond.

He is represented by Poteau defense attorney Gary Buckles.

On Thursday, Pocola Police Chief Dale Fout said Frick was an unpaid auxiliary officer who worked infrequently for the Pocola Police Department.

Fout said as soon as the information came in regarding the pending charges against Frick, Frick was no longer considered an employee.

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