Former Tulsa Police Officer Faces Rape Charges After Inappropriate Conduct Revealed by Bodycam Footage

Former Tulsa Police Officer Faces Rape Charges After Inappropriate Conduct Revealed by Bodycam Footage

The case of a former Tulsa police officer accused of rape has sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious questions about power dynamics and abuse of authority. D’Angelo Rise, a five-year veteran of the Tulsa Police Department, resigned from his position in June 2022 after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman he met while on patrol. The incident, which occurred on April 17, 2022, was captured on Rise’s body camera, providing crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation.

Bodycam Footage Reveals Disturbing Encounter

The disturbing encounter unfolded when Rise encountered a woman walking her dog in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After a brief exchange about noise in the area, the conversation took a sharp turn as Rise, who provided the woman with a false name, began making inappropriate comments. The body camera footage, which has since been made public, reveals Rise telling the woman, “You’re sexy.” He continues with, “Is that unprofessional? … I don’t know. I’m sorry, but like, I’m just like, damn.”

Escalation and Allegations of Sexual Assault

The situation escalated further as Rise inquired about the woman’s living arrangements and asked where he could find her later that night. Despite her initial reluctance, the woman eventually revealed that she was staying at a nearby motel. This is where the body camera footage ends, leaving investigators to piece together the subsequent events based on the alleged victim’s testimony and other evidence.

According to the woman, Rise called her later that night and questioned her about whether she was involved in prostitution. He then proceeded to run her information through the Tulsa Police Department system, discovering her extensive criminal history. The woman claims that Rise used this information to intimidate her, stating that it “wouldn’t take much to put a person with her record back in prison.”

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Fearing that Rise would plant evidence and orchestrate her arrest, the woman alleges that she was then raped by Rise. She claims he used a condom during the assault and subsequently flushed it down the toilet, potentially destroying crucial DNA evidence.

Legal Proceedings and Rise’s Defense

Rise was arrested on June 10, 2022, and charged with first-degree rape. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in June 2022. Rise’s attorney, in a statement released to the press, admitted that Rise’s conduct was “inappropriate” but maintained his client’s innocence. The statement further alleged that Rise initially believed the encounter to be consensual.

The case has sparked outrage and calls for justice, highlighting the vulnerabilities of individuals with criminal records when facing law enforcement officers. The trial is ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain.

Public Reaction and Implications for Police Accountability

This case has ignited public outcry and reignited discussions about police accountability and the misuse of power. Many view the incident as a blatant example of an officer exploiting his authority to engage in predatory behavior. The release of the body camera footage has fueled these sentiments, providing disturbing visual evidence of Rise’s inappropriate conduct.

The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for police accountability in Tulsa and beyond. It underscores the importance of body cameras in providing transparency and holding law enforcement officers responsible for their actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What led to the investigation of D’Angelo Rise?

A: The investigation began after a woman accused Rise of rape. The incident, which allegedly occurred while Rise was on duty, was captured on his body camera.

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Q: What does the body camera footage show?

A: The footage shows Rise engaging in inappropriate conversations with the alleged victim, making sexually suggestive comments, and asking about her whereabouts later that night.

Q: What is the current status of the case?

A: Rise resigned from the Tulsa Police Department and has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree rape. The trial is ongoing.

Q: How has the public reacted to the case?

A: The case has sparked outrage and calls for justice, raising concerns about police misconduct and the vulnerability of individuals with criminal histories.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as the legal proceedings continue.

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