Special Judge R.L. Hert Jr. has ruled there is enough evidence for a former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper to stand trial in Logan County.
The judge made his ruling on Wednesday in Payne County after reviewing written statements and reviewing the January 23rd preliminary hearing on the case against Patrick Venable.
Venable, 28, will appear for his arraignment on April 23 at the Logan County Courthouse and will face a trial in district court on a count of second-degree rape.
Venable, who has resigned from the patrol, is accused of taking a Guthrie woman into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, and taking her to her house to have sex.
His attorney, Carl Hughes, argued at the preliminary hearing that the woman was not in custody and was free to leave when they arrived at her house. However, Hert ruled against Venable and said the victim was in his legal custody.
It is expected Hughes will make a motion to dismiss the case in district court.
Related Story: Second-degree rape charges filed on former OHP trooper
Related Story: Venable posts bond after being arraigned in Logan County
Related Video: Logan County District Attorney Tom Lee
Related Video: Patrick Venable’s Attorney Carl Hughes
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