State v. Ferguson
CHARGE(S): 2 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor (fourth degree felony)
POTENTIAL PUNISHMENT: 3 years in prison, classification as a sex offender, loss of police powers
VENUE: Butler County, Hamilton, Ohio
ALLEGATION: An African-American police officer met an underaged 15-year-old white girl on the internet, provided false name and portrayed himself as being 17-years-old. Thereafter, the police officer engaged the girl in electronic and telephonic sexual conversations and ultimately a sexual relationship. (Unfortunately, race can be an issue that unduly influences the outcome of a criminal case. The race of the defendant and the victim in this case was included to demonstrate that Mr. Bennett has experience successfully neutralizing the issue of race.)
DISPOSITION: Trial by jury
RESULT: Not guilty of both felony counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Officer Ferguson was convicted of the lesser charge of sexual imposition, a third degree misdemeanor. He was sentenced to probation (no jail time) and sustained no loss of police powers.
ARTICLES
Former auxiliary cop will face sex charge (Cincinnati Post)
Former cop not guilty of felony (The Journal News)
