Friday, January 02, 2009

Former Officer David Finch Charged with Rape, Won't do Jail Time

WAGONER

A former police officer charged with raping a high-school girl has avoided a trial and possible jail time by accepting a deal with prosecutors.

David Finch, 37, of Tahlequah, who was charged with one count of second-degree rape entered a no-contest plea last week in return for a five-year suspended sentence and probation, according to Wagoner County District Court records.

As part of the terms, Finch, a former Wagoner police officer, will also undergo counseling, records show. A community sentencing hearing is set for Feb. 18.

Finch had previously pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial, records show.

Finch was charged in December 2007 for an alleged assault involving a 16-year-old student.

Officer Dustin Parker Arrested for Driving Under the Influence

An off-duty Great Bend Police officer was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol following a one-vehicle injury accident Wednesday morning, according to a statement from the police department. Another off-duty officer was in the vehicle and was injured.

The accident was investigated by the Barton County Sheriff's Office, which identified the driver as Dustin Parker, 23, of Ellinwood. He was not injured. His passenger was fellow police officer Beau Brough, 24, of Great Bend.

The accident happened just before 4 a.m. Wednesday in the 200 block of North Washington Avenue. In accordance with City of Great Bend policy, the sheriff's office investigates all accidents in town that involve city officers.

Parker was driving south in a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup when he lost control of the vehicle, went into the east ditch, overcorrected his steering and skidded sideways into the west ditch. The pickup rolled onto its top.

Both Parker and Brough were wearing seat belts.

The sheriff's office reports Brough had a small cut under his bottom lip but refused treatment at the scene. However, a spokesman for Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend said Brough was treated for injuries and released sometime on Wednesday.

City officials said Brough will not be able to return to work at this time.

According to Great Bend Human Resources Director Terry Hoff, Parker has been employed by the city for a little over a year. He has been suspended pending disciplinary action. Following city policy, he is suspended with pay at this time.

The case is still under investigation, but has been referred to the Barton County Attorney's Office for prosecution.