Former Kansas police officer of year facing rape charges

DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) – A onetime Kansas law enforcement officer of the year is accused of raping a woman who could not provide consent because she was drunk.

A Ford County grand jury earlier this month indicted Guillermo Gutierrez, formerly of the Dodge City Police Department, on charges of felony rape, felony aggravated sexual battery and misdemeanor sexual battery.

The alleged assault took place on May 19. Gutierrez’s attorney, Van Z. Hampton, says his client maintains his innocence.

Gutierrez was an officer with the department from May 2011 to Aug. 4 of this year.

Police Chief Drew Francis said in a statement that Gutierrez was placed on administrative leave and stripped of police powers “immediately upon learning of the allegations.”