Post by KC on Jul 8, 2006 19:22:32 GMT -5
July 08, 2006 - SOUTH KINGSTOWN -- A suspended Westerly police officer pleaded not guilty to traffic violations yesterday in District Court, Wakefield.
Officer Don M. Thompson, 38, Of 58 Ring Drive, Groton, Conn., faces charges of reckless driving and operating with a suspended license after his arrest last month following a public-safety officers' benefit at a Misquamicut bar.
State police have also charged Thompson, a six-year officer on the force, with two counts of second-degree sexual assault and one count of disorderly conduct in the alleged assault of a 17-year-old hostess at the restaurant.
Thompson entered pleas for the traffic offenses at an arraignment before Judge Jeanne LaFazia. He was released on personal recognizance.
A felony screening on the sexual assault charges is scheduled for July 26.
State police said Thompson followed the teenage employee to her car after speaking to her intermittently throughout the night at Paddy's Beach restaurant and bar. The state police said Thompson touched the girl, who resisted, and then exposed himself.
The woman reported the incident to the police, who found Thompson at the Atlantic Avenue restaurant, records show. He then drove away at a "high rate of speed," despite commands to stop. He was located at the Venice Restaurant and taken to the Westerly Police Department under suspicion for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The state police, who investigated with Westerly police, also charged Thompson with chemical test refusal.
He has been suspended without pay since his arrest on June 26, said Westerly Chief Edward A. Mello.
Thompson's lawyer, John D. Lynch Jr., said his client denies the allegations and plans to "fight this to the end."
www.projo.com/southcounty/content/projo_20060708_wcop8.1979cca.html
Officer Don M. Thompson, 38, Of 58 Ring Drive, Groton, Conn., faces charges of reckless driving and operating with a suspended license after his arrest last month following a public-safety officers' benefit at a Misquamicut bar.
State police have also charged Thompson, a six-year officer on the force, with two counts of second-degree sexual assault and one count of disorderly conduct in the alleged assault of a 17-year-old hostess at the restaurant.
Thompson entered pleas for the traffic offenses at an arraignment before Judge Jeanne LaFazia. He was released on personal recognizance.
A felony screening on the sexual assault charges is scheduled for July 26.
State police said Thompson followed the teenage employee to her car after speaking to her intermittently throughout the night at Paddy's Beach restaurant and bar. The state police said Thompson touched the girl, who resisted, and then exposed himself.
The woman reported the incident to the police, who found Thompson at the Atlantic Avenue restaurant, records show. He then drove away at a "high rate of speed," despite commands to stop. He was located at the Venice Restaurant and taken to the Westerly Police Department under suspicion for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The state police, who investigated with Westerly police, also charged Thompson with chemical test refusal.
He has been suspended without pay since his arrest on June 26, said Westerly Chief Edward A. Mello.
Thompson's lawyer, John D. Lynch Jr., said his client denies the allegations and plans to "fight this to the end."
www.projo.com/southcounty/content/projo_20060708_wcop8.1979cca.html