Hearing set for former trooper

SAPULPA, Okla. (AP) – A judge has scheduled a preliminary hearing for an ex-Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper charged with rape and sexual battery of three women during traffic stops to address some of the accusations against him.

Judge Richard Woolery ordered Eric Roberts back to court Oct. 5 for the hearing on sexual battery, lewdness and embezzlement charges. He’s pleaded not guilty.

The case is among three against Roberts that charge him with 12 crimes.

Roberts will be arraigned Aug. 25 in the two other cases on second-degree rape, asking for a bribe, sexual battery and embezzlement, among others.

A sexual battery and rape charge were previously dismissed.

Roberts resigned from the patrol in September.