OKLAHOMA CITY – Officials say an Oklahoma City police officer accused of raping women while on duty has been fired.
Authorities announced Thursday that Daniel Holtzclaw has been fired from the Oklahoma City Police Department.
Holtzclaw is charged with 36 counts of rape, sexual battery, indecent exposure and forcible oral sodomy after several women came forward, claiming the officer assaulted them while they were in custody or inside his police car.
In November, a detective confirmed that Holtzclaw’s police car was exactly where the women said they were when the alleged crimes happened.
After an internal investigation, Oklahoma City Police Department officials terminated Holtzclaw’s employment.
“Your offenses committed against women in our community constitute the greatest abuse of police authority I have witnessed in my 37 years as a member of this agency. These violations more than warrant your termination from the Oklahoma City Police Department,” Chief William Citty said in the termination letter to Holtzclaw.
Police officials say Holtzclaw was ultimately fired for several policy violations.
Last month a judge ruled Holtzclaw will go to trial, his pre-trial conference is set for January 21st.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
