Suspended Lexington police sergeant ‘shocked’ over rape charge

Lexington Police Sgt. Christopher Morrow pleaded not guilty Friday to a rape charge in Fayette Circuit Court.

A grand jury returned the indictment on Monday, and Morrow, 39, was suspended without pay from the Lexington department. The alleged offense occurred March 20, according to the indictment.

Defense attorney Scott Crosbie, a former Lexington city councilman, said after Friday’s arraignment before Judge Pamela Goodwine that Morrow is “shocked by the allegations. He was disappointed by the decision to bring charges.”

“We have limited information at this point. However, he maintains his innocence with regards” to the charge, Crosbie said. “He looks forward to an opportunity to be heard before a jury. We believe he will be acquitted and he will be returning to the Lexington police force at the appropriate time.”

Crosbie couldn’t provide other details about the circumstances around the charge. He would not comment on the facts of the case, such as the relationship with the alleged victim. Lexington police and Kentucky State Police, which investigated after a complaint was forwarded to the agency, also have released scant details.

First-degree rape is a class B felony punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison. Morrow is free on bond.

This story was originally published September 29, 2017 at 3:25 PM with the headline "Suspended Lexington police sergeant ‘shocked’ over rape charge."