Ex-Oklahoma trooper ordered to trial on rape, other charges

SAPULPA, Okla. (AP) – A former Oklahoma state trooper has been ordered to stand trial for second-degree rape, bribery, embezzlement and other charges.

A Creek County District Court judge ruled Friday that there is enough evidence to try 42-year-old Eric Roberts on the charges that he assaulted or behaved inappropriately toward three women during traffic stops.

Roberts has pleaded not guilty.

Two of the women who have made the allegations testified during Friday’s hearing and an arrest warrant was issued for the third woman who was subpoenaed but did not appear.

The allegations came to light in August when one woman filed a federal lawsuit alleging Roberts raped her following a traffic stop and the two other women later made similar allegations.

Roberts was suspended in July and resigned in September.