After sentencing delay, ex-Okla. cop's motion for new trial denied
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The sentencing hearing for a former Oklahoma City police officer convicted of raping and sexually victimizing eight women on his beat was delayed for a few hours Thursday as a judge considered the defense's motion for a new trial.
Daniel Holtzclaw, 29, was set for sentencing at 10 a.m. Thursday, but proceedings were delayed as Holtzclaw and attorneys met privately with District Judge Timothy Henderson in the judge's chambers. Holtzclaw's attorney, Scott Adams, filed a request for a new trial or evidentiary hearing late Wednesday.
He told The Associated Press on Thursday that both sides are discussing Holtzclaw's motion, which alleges that prosecutors withheld evidence from the defense.
Henderson denied the motion Thursday afternoon.
Prosecutors didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Prosecutors said Holtzclaw preyed on black women he interacted with on his beat in a low-income neighborhood near the state Capitol.
Holtzclaw faces up to 263 years in prison after last month's convictions on 18 counts - four counts of first-degree rape, plus additional counts of forcible oral sodomy, sexual battery, procuring lewd exhibition and second-degree rape. He was acquitted on 18 other counts.
Henderson will decide whether Holtzclaw will have to serve the sentences consecutively.