Trigger Warning: Rape

Daniel Hotlzclaw, an officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department has been accused of rape, forcible oral sodomy, indecent exposure, and sexual battery.  He is said to have stopped women-all of them black-and threatened to arrest them unless they performed favors of a sexual nature for him (exposing themselves, allowing him to fondle them, and even letting him have sex with them).

Before I go any further, let me remind readers that all of the above is

R

A

P

E

Rape is non-consensual sex.  You cannot obtain consent under duress.  This man manipulated and coerced women-under the threat of imprisonment-into performing an array of sexual activities with him, up to and including Penis In Vagina sex.

Let me also state that PIV sex is NOT the only way a person can be raped.  Forced oral sodomy and fondling is also rape.

Daniel Holtzclaw, a three-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Police Department, was arrested Thursday afternoon outside Gold’s Gym on charges of rape, forcible oral sodomy, sexual battery, and indecent exposure and jailed on $5 million bond, reportedThe Oklahoman.

Investigators said Holtzclaw stopped women while on patrol and threatened to arrest them unless they exposed themselves, allowed him to fondle them, or had sex with him.

Police Chief Bill Citty said the case angered and disturbed him, and he praised detectives for their work on the case.

“Trust is something that we are constantly having to work on,” Citty said. “When something like this happens, I have to hope that most of the community realizes that our officers, 99.9 percent of them, are trustworthy, and when something like this happens, our officers take this very personally.”

Six women have already given statements to police in the case, and another woman is scheduled to provide a statement.

Citty said all of the victims were black women between the ages of 34 and 58, and all of the assaults took place between February and June during Holtzclaw’s 4 p.m.-to-2 a.m. shift patrolling the northeastern portion of the city.

Investigators believe there are additional victims.

Detectives opened their investigation after a woman complained to police June 18, and Holtzclaw was placed on administrative leave the same day.

Six women.  All black.  Probably more.  This further strengthens my belief that law enforcement attracts people with an authoritarian streak.  People who want and crave power and abuse it when given the chance (no, not all cops are like this. I do know a few police officers who are nothing like this, but I’m talking about all the ones that ARE like this, and there are plenty of them).  This is a disgusting abuse of power.

This situation has taken a twisted turn similar to the events that have occurred in Ferguson, MO.  Recall that Officer Darren Wilson shot Michael Brown (an unarmed 18 year old black man) several times, resulting in the death of Brown.  Yes, people feel that an officer of the law can murder an unarmed man, and be the recipient of money and sympathy (I don’t think I have enough spit left in my mouth).   At last count, supporters for Wilson raised nearly $500,000 (although HuffPo reports that the GoFundMe campaign mysterious vanished over the weekend).  Officer Holtzclaw has supporters as well, and they’ve raised over $7,000 for him.  

Daniel Holtzclaw was arrested in August on charges of rape, forcible oral sodomy, sexual battery, and indecent exposure for allegedly sexually assaulting women while on patrol. He is being held on $5 million bond.

Friends and family of the three-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Police Department have created a Facebook page called “Justice for Daniel Holtzclaw.” They insist the criminal allegations against him are false, and have been using the page to try to sell shirts that read, “Free the Claw” and “#JusticeForDanielHoltzclaw.”

More than 500 people have “liked” the Facebook page.

Supporters of Holtzclaw have also launched a crowdfunding campaign on the websiteGoFundMe. The page was created by Holtzclaw’s sister, who hopes to raise $100,000 for her brother, according to MLive.com. The crowdfunding campaign has raised $7,390 so far.

I can understand-to an extent-family members being supportive, but 500 people liking the Facebook page for this fundraiser? Denying that the claims are true, even though they likely don’t know anything about the women who have brought accusations against him?  Really?  Six women (at least) are lying about a host of offenses he committed against them, including rape. It’s easier for people to believe that he’s innocent and these women are lying liars who are making up shit than to believe he’s a rapist.  Let me off this planet.