Police officer not charged in rape cases

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- A New Orleans police officer currently facing rape allegations previously avoided charges in relation to two similar incidents, a police official says.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Warren Riley said internal affairs officials previously investigated sexual misconduct allegations against officer Christopher Buckley, but prosecutors ultimately chose not to issue formal charges, The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune said Thursday.

In the wake of the 2001 and 2003 incidents involving alleged inappropriate sexual contact with young girls, Buckley was arrested this week for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl.

Riley said the decisions previously not to charge Buckley by the district attorney's office was blamed on a lack of cooperation by the victims or their families.

Buckley was arrested Tuesday and faces a minimum prison term of 15 years if convicted.

Police spokesman Bob Young told The Times-Picayune Riley is creating a law enforcement system that will target those officers facing multiple accusations of wrongdoing.