A former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper will spend the next 90 days in the Logan County jail after pleading to a lesser charge of aggravated assault and battery after having sex with an incapacitated female.
Patrick Venable, 29, was facing second degree rape charges after he was accused of taking a female driver into custody on suspicion of DUI along the Broadway Extension, transporting her to her home in Guthrie and having sex with her in June 2011.
Venable’s resigned with OHP later that month.
With the plea deal and lesser charge, Venable was sentenced to five years with the Department of Corrections, all suspended, except for 90 days in the Logan County jail. He must also pay fines and court costs, perform 100 hours of community service and have an evaluation by a doctor.
According to court documents, wrongfully and feloniously committed assault and battery on an incapacitated person by unlawful force and having sexual intercourse with the person.
The second degree rape charged that was dropped had Venable facing one to 15 years in prison.
The district attorney’s office says the victim did not want to go through a trial and testify about the incident.
Venable’s attorney Carl Hughes refused to comment on the deal.
In August 2011, Hughes told Guthrie News Page his client was “definitely pleading not guilty to the charges.”
After the final instructions came from Judge Luke Duel shortly after 4 p.m., a man and woman brought Venable a blue duffel bag before he went down stairs and reported to the jail.
Related story: Venable posts bond after being arraigned in Logan County
Related story: Former trooper set for arraignment later this month
Related story: Second-degree rape charges filed on former OHP trooper
Related Video: Logan County District Attorney Tom Lee
Related Video: Patrick Venable’s Attorney Carl Hughes
25 to life for most folks
I wonder how many times he did this and got away with it? So thankful for the victim for coming forward and stopping this man from terrorizing other women. Because he was an officer of the law, he should have faced a full sentence as an example of what happens when officers that pledge to uphold the law, use their position to break the law. I cannot believe this sex offender got a plea deal. This is probably not the last time we will see him in the news.
This is so sad for the victim. And sad for Venable’s family. I’m not making excuses for this man. Everyone in this terrible tragedy needs our prayers, even Venable,
What a disgrace to the Department. He should have to service at least 5 years in prison, make an example out of his actions.