Misdemeanors refiled against ex-trooper accused of assault

SAPULPA, Okla. (AP) – Prosecutors have refiled two misdemeanor charges against a former Oklahoma Highway Patrolman charged with sexually assaulting three women during traffic stops.

Eric Roberts pleaded not guilty to embezzlement and soliciting an act of lewdness or prostitution during arraignment Tuesday. The charges were re-filed Tuesday as misdemeanors after Creek County prosecutors withdrew a felony sexual battery charge against Roberts in November.

Roberts still faces several felony charges, including second-degree rape and rape by instrumentation. He previously pleaded not guilty to those charges.

An investigation began after a woman filed a federal lawsuit alleging Roberts raped her following a traffic stop. Two more women later made similar allegations.

Roberts was suspended in July 2014 and resigned two months later after his arrest.