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January 6, 2009

UPDATE: Trial begins in Fairview in sheriff sex case





FAIRVIEW, Okla. (AP) — A prosecutor says a former Oklahoma sheriff used his influence over jail inmates and drug court defendants to demand sex from the women.

Opening statements began today in the trial of former Custer County Sheriff Mike Burgess, who has pleaded not guilty to 36 charges of rape, rape by instrumentation, kidnapping, sexual battery and oral sodomy.

Prosecutor Jim Swartz said that in one case, Burgess asked a drug court defendant to meet him at an Oklahoma City motel. Swartz said she feared this would violate travel restrictions imposed by the court, but she agreed to it after Burgess told her: “I’m, the sheriff. I’ll take care of that.”

Swartz said Burgess used his position to find out where drug court defendants lived. One evening, Burgess showed at an offender’s hotel room, knocked on the door, and when she answered, he said, “Booty call,” before entering the room and having sex with her, the prosecutor said.

Steve Huddleston, Burgess’ attorney, has said he and the former sheriff are happy to get the chance to present their side. He said during jury questioning that the backgrounds of the women making the accusations will be closely examined at trial. The defense opening statement was planned for later today.

See Wednesday's News & Eagle for more details on the trial.

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