Venable posts bond after being arraigned in Logan County

Former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Patrick Venable was arraigned Tuesday afternoon in front of Judge R.L. Hert Jr. on charges of second degree rape at the Logan County court house.

Patrick Venable leaves the court room after pleading not guilty to second degree charges. Photo By Chris Evans

Venable posted a $10,000 bond and was released following being booked into the Logan County Sheriff’s Office.

Venable, 27, is 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. Venable’s later resigned at the OHP on June 29th.

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

Hughes told reporters outside the court room his client is “definitely pleading not guilty to the charges.” Hughes would not comment if Venable’s had sex with the victim.

Hughes said what they (district attorney) alleged is not even true.

“She would have to be arrested or in custody before it to be a crime under the statue and that is what you look to. She was not under arrest and she was not in custody at any time. He released her and took her home.”

Venable will return September 22nd, at 2:00, for a preliminary hearing sounding docket. A preliminary time and date will be set at that time.