Former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper charged with rape

Patrick Venable, 27, is accused of taking a female driver into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol on the Broadway Extension in Oklahoma City, then transporting her to a residence in Guthrie to have sexual intercourse.

Venable resigned June 29. Court records show the date of the offense was June 20.

His attorney, Carl Hughes, said he will plead not guilty to the charge.

“He gave up his life and his dream of being a highway patrolman, and we're here today to defend,” Hughes said.

Hughes said Venable didn't commit a crime because the woman wasn't under arrest or in custody. He said Venable released her and took her home. Hughes refused Tuesday to comment on the allegations of sexual misconduct.

Col. Kerry Pettingill said in July that the Oklahoma Highway Patrol received an anonymous phone call regarding the incident. The agency turned its findings over to the Logan County district attorney on July 22.