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Ex-cop’s trial on child rape charges to begin |
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Monday, 30 November 2009 |
The trial of a former Alexander police sergeant accused of sexually assaulting three children will begin on Tuesday.
As Saline County prosecutors begin telling a jury why Jeffrey Garcia, 36, of Benton should be convicted of the crimes, another set of attorneys will try to defend the accused in Saline County Judge Gary Arnold’s courtroom. The trial is expected to begin at 9 a.m. and could run through Wednesday or Thursday.
Garcia originally was set to appear before a jury on Oct. 20, but the trial was postponed. Garcia pleaded not guilty to the charges in August.
Benton police arrested Garcia on March 30 after receiving a complaint that he sexually assaulted three children at a residence in the city. Saline County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Bush was then contacted and decided to seek a warrant for Garcia’s arrest. Benton Lt. Mike Treasitti said the ages of the children and additional details are not being released, but he did confirm that both boys and girls are involved.
After posting a $25,000 bond set by Benton District Judge Mike Robinson on April 1, Garcia denied the allegations. Outside the Saline County jail he told reporters the charges are “bogus” and said he respects his police career too much to put himself in that situation.
“I love what I do and I wouldn’t jeopardize that for anything,” Garcia said. “I’m not going to put myself in that type of position ... and that is all I can say right now.”
However, Alexander Mayor Shirley Johnson and Assistant Police Chief Tommy Leath confirmed that Garcia resigned from the Alexander Police Department on March 31. Garcia had been employed with Alexander for two years and was one of four full-time officers.
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