Prosecutors charge Oklahoma officer with rape

AP Photo/Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office

FILE - This Aug. 21, 2014 file photo made available by the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office shows Daniel K. Holtzclaw. The 27-year-old Oklahoma City police officer was charged Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, with 16 counts including rape and sexual battery after he was accused of assaulting at least seven women while on patrol.

Kristi Eaton, Associated Press

Friday, Aug. 29, 2014 | 4:59 p.m.

OKLAHOMA CITY — An Oklahoma City police officer has been charged with 16 counts that include rape and sexual battery after authorities said he attacked at least eight women while on patrol.

Prosecutors on Friday charged 27-year-old Daniel Holtzclaw, who also faces charges of forcible oral sodomy and indecent exposure.

Police arrested Holtzclaw on Aug. 21. Police say Holtzclaw stopped the women, who were all black and between the ages of 34 and 58, while he was on duty. Investigators allege that he raped two women and either fondled others or forced them to expose themselves.

Police have said there may be more victims in the case.

Holtzclaw's attorney said Friday his client denies the allegations against him.