Saturday, March 15, 2008

Cincy police officer gets 6 months in jail for rape


A former Cincinnati police officer was sentenced to 6 months in jail and 5 years probation March 12 for coercing sex from a woman he met during a domestic violence call. William Simpson, 47, an 18 year veteran of the Cincinnati Police Department, pleaded to 2 counts of sexual battery, down from more serious charges of rape. He faced 31 years in prison if convicted of all original charges

After a domestic violence call on October 3, 2006, Simpson, in full uniform, responded. He used the guise of taking pictures of injuries he suffered to have the woman drop her pants. At the trial, cut short after he plead guilty, she related her story that Simpson grabbed the victim's arms and forced her to perform a sex act, then have intercourse with her.

Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Ethna]Cooper also ordered Simpson to spend five years on probation and participate in a sex offender rehabilitation program. Cooper designated a Simpson a sex offender, ordering him to register his address with the sheriff’s office in the county where he lives for the rest of his life.“I speak for everybody when I say you not only violated the victim’s trust but violated the trust of everyone in the city,” Cooper said.


“It’s a sad day for everyone involved.”As part of the plea deal, Simpson signed paperwork saying he would resign and never seek reinstatement. Police records show Simpson retired. He has been on unpaid leave since his arrest last March. He earned about $58,500 a year.Prosecutors say the victim called Cincinnati police to her Bond Hill apartment for help the morning of Oct. 3, 2006 after her former boyfriend broke in and assaulted her. Simpson responded to the 911 call.

Simpson's probation conditions include sex offender treatment. He will be designated a Tier 3 SO, which requires lifetime registration. He resigned effective March 12, the day of his sentencing.

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