Police officer charged with assault freed on bond

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – An Oklahoma City police officer charged with sexually assaulting several women he encountered while patrolling neighborhoods around the state Capitol is now free on $500,000 bond.

Jailers said 27-year-old Daniel Holtzclaw was freed Friday but on several conditions. He is under house arrest and can go only to court and his attorney’s office. He must turn in his police gear, guns and badge and is prohibited from contacting any alleged victims.

He faces 16 felony counts that include rape, sexual battery, indecent exposure and stalking. He has pleaded not guilty and his lawyer says he will be staying with his parents in Enid.

Allegations emerged in June and Holtzclaw was placed on leave then. He successfully petitioned this week to have his bond cut from $5 million to $500,000.