RI police officer to stand trial on rape charge

By ERIC TUCKER Associated Press Writer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Providence police officer accused of raping a woman in a deserted police substation and then responding to her 911 call is heading to trial at a difficult time for the department.

Marcus Huffman faces charges of first-degree sexual assault. Opening statements are scheduled for Thursday morning in Providence Superior Court.

Prosecutors say Huffman was on patrol in March 2007 when he offered a ride home to a 19-year-old woman. He allegedly drove the woman to the substation and is accused of raping her.

Huffman declined to comment in court this week.

Criminal charges are pending against other members of the police force. One officer has pleaded not guilty to charges of beating a restrained man with a flashlight, and three have been arrested for allegedly participating in a cocaine-dealing operation.