Sex Abuse Trial of Former Police Officer Begins in Salem, Oregon

"Salem Police are not just investigating the case, they are out looking, cultivating, to find people to testify that Sterling Alexander did something." - Defense Attorney Kevin Lafky

(SALEM, Ore.) - The trial for former Salem Police officer Sterling Alexander began Tuesday. He is accused of sex abuse and rape charges in three separate cases that are alleged to have taken place while he was a police officer.

Prosecutor Jodie Bureta and Defense Attorney Kevin Lafky made their opening statements in the trial that got underway in Judge Albin Norblad's courtroom at 1:20 PM. The thirteen member jury of nine women, counting the alternate, and five men, contains one person who appears to be of minority status. Sterling Alexander was one of Salem's few African-American employees.

Jodie Bureta said the defendant used his position of authority as a police officer to take advantage of the alleged victims. In addition to various charges related to sex abuse, he is also facing one count of Official Misconduct. Bureta walked the jury through the descriptions of each of the three alleged acts. In her opening statement, she said the victims all were unwilling or coerced participants, and that Alexander admitted to having sex with one alleged victim on an audio tape.

Then Alexander's attorney, Kevin Lafky, dropped a bombshell when he proclaimed that his client, "is a victim of blatant police misconduct," and produced one of a series of internal emails circulated by Salem Police that were subpoenaed to the court.

Salem Police have said from the beginning that they believe the evidence against Sterling Alexander will stand up in court, but Alexander says his problems with Salem Police began long before any criminal charges were filed against him.

It was documented in 2003 that he was having problems with one police officer who made a racial slur against him. That particular officer has since passed away. Alexander said he was concerned that there was not much of a response from his superiors after the remark was reported. A few months after that, in July 2004, he resigned his position with Salem Police.

The next development in the case was the NAACP initiating an inquiry over Alexander's racism allegations, actions that could lead to a lawsuit over civil rights violations.

Salem Police Spokesman Lt. Bill Kohlmeyer stated early on in the case that an outside agency would have to investigate the case, as it involved a former Salem Police officer and consequently, represented a potential conflict of interest. So Oregon State Police took the assignment in an effort to keep the investigation impartial.

But Lafky says the email correspondence he introduced appears to indicate that instead of leaving it to the state police, Salem Police were actively involved in the case, working in cooperation with the Oregon State Police investigator, Detective Terri Cassebarth.

One thing both sides referenced in their first day in court is that a former Salem Police sergeant named Jeff Barnes has known the second victim for several years as a family friend. Barnes resigned from Salem Police in recent weeks after many years of service, to work in construction.

Lafky produced the email from Cassebarth to Salem Police Lt. Steve Bellshaw which read: "Tell Jeff to work harder and name his price - Desperate for another victim."

Lafky says that in each case, a period of time lapsed before the alleged crimes were reported by the victims. In the first two alleged incidents, years had lapsed. It is not entirely uncommon for victims to hesitate to report sex crimes, but Lafky says there are too many inconsistencies in the three alleged victims' stories, "In all three cases there is no physical evidence, no corroborative evidence, and no forensic evidence."

With regard to the alleged conflict of interest in Salem Police investigating themselves, instead of leaving it up to OSP, Lafky went so far as to state that, "Salem Police are not just investigating the case, they are out looking, cultivating, to find people to testify that Sterling Alexander did something."

In the first case, the former officer is accused of raping a 17-year old female. Prosecutor Jodie Bureta says he met the girl during the course of an investigation. After exchanging contact on the phone, she says Alexander picked her up to give her a ride to the Salem Municipal Courthouse, but that he stopped and raped her along the way after saying he needed to pull over and check a tire that was making an unusual noise.

The woman told the jury today that Alexander allowed her to get out of his pick-up truck after he made sure his tire was OK, and that he encouraged her to have a cigarette, which she thought was odd as she was 17-years old. She said that as she dropped the butt to the ground and stepped on it, Alexander corrected her, saying it was OK to smoke but not to litter. As she bent down to pick the smashed butt off the ground, she alleges that he grabbed her, threw her into the cab of the truck, and raped her.

The alleged victim says she then got back into the truck, after being shoved by Alexander, and was driven to court.

Months after charges were filed for this alleged crime, Salem Police also filed sex abuse charges for another act he is alleged to have committed.

A woman stated that Alexander raped her several years earlier, when she was 19-years old, and he was a Stayton Police officer. Bureta says Alexander had knowledge of an underage drinking party the woman had in the home she shared with her small child, and that Alexander told her, "her kid would be taken away" if she was turned in, and consequently she felt obliged to be quiet about the alleged crime.

In that case, Bureta described another relationship that was initially very trusting, where Alexander's presence as a police officer was comforting to the alleged victims.

The second alleged victim says that he gained this trust but then approached her unexpectedly and kissed her one day after entering her house. Bureta says the woman told him kissing her when he was on duty in uniform was wrong, and asked him to leave. The prosecutor says Sterling Alexander returned to the woman's home again, later that evening, and that, unsure of what to do, the woman chose to open the door and let him in. That is when she says he ordered her to disrobe and they had sex on her couch. She added that the woman said she kept her eyes closed the whole time, "not knowing what to do."

Then a third case was brought against Sterling Alexander. This stems from an incident in which he is alleged to have had sexual contact with another employee of the city of Salem while on a police ride-along. Alexander had resigned from Salem Police before the allegation came forward. The other employee was sanctioned and given a warning for her involvement in the incident at the time.

The prosecution contends that this was a sexual act that the woman did not willingly participate in, and says she was concerned about becoming a Salem Police officer, and tolerated Alexander's alleged sexual advances because she thought he could impact her chances of eventually becoming a full time police officer, though he was not responsible for the hiring or firing of other employees.

The defense says the woman consented to the act and that the reports she made with a union representative by her side did not indicate that she was a victim of force.

Bureta says the woman regarded Sterling Alexander as a flirt, then went on to describe a series of alleged contacts during which Alexander made sexual advances toward the woman, "which she did not overreact to, she would just say, 'That's Sterling'".

Many people facing allegations of sexual misconduct tend to keep a low profile. Conversely, Sterling Alexander has stayed active in the local community, maintaining that that he is innocent and that the allegations against him are false.

Spokesman for Alexander, "Skipper" Osborne of TAJFA, (Truth And Justice For All) and former NAACP President, says everything about the case changed when the defense team received the series of emails, the first of which was shown in Tuesday's opening arguments. He says it is only one of many that will clearly illustrate how Salem Police unethically participated in the investigation of their former officer.

Osborne says the various emails, most of which have not yet been disclosed in Judge Norblad's court, discuss what appears to be an intense search "for more victims," while at the same time describes what could be used as a lack of credibility that the witnesses represent.

He says the specific email from Cassebarth to Bellshaw which reads, "Tell Jeff to work harder and name his price. Desperate for another victim," indicates a multi-agency investigation has been underway, and he says, "the reference to Jeff Barnes naming his price carries huge implications."

He added that they have received a letter from Washington, D.C. indicating that there will be a federal investigation of the alleged civil rights violations against Alexander in Salem, Oregon.

The trial for former Salem Police Officer Sterling Alexander resumes Wednesday at 9:20 AM at the Marion County Courthouse.

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Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

jeff linerud July 2, 2008 11:38 pm (Pacific time)

steven craig bellshaw is no better!

Tired of Paying for Other People's B June 12, 2007 12:44 pm (Pacific time)

It's never, never, never, okay to have a baby unless you are an adult that can sign up to take care of that child emotionally and monetarily for the next 20 years. There are numerous ways a rape victim can ensure they do not become pregnant and hospital emergency rooms are trained to provide those after the fact services.

KJ June 9, 2007 3:15 pm (Pacific time)

What does the color of his skin have to do with the price of eggs in China or let along this case? If most of you nosey people are so interested in whats going on take your lazy self down there and see for yourself.

You'll See June 9, 2007 1:51 am (Pacific time)

Just wait. He will be found guilty. He is using his color to make us feel sorry for him.

steve June 8, 2007 10:15 am (Pacific time)

well just like the police shooting....thy get off! and with pay too! so go fig! I be their for u bro!just like the rest of us u do the crime...u do the time!

Anonymous June 8, 2007 10:04 am (Pacific time)

I did not just read the article. I am there as well in the court room. He is guilty and almost everyone believes that. Also as for the witness I hate to say, but they are people that the girls have had some previous problems with so there for obviously they aren't reliable sources. But once again today is another day for trial. I jsut can't wait til this is all over and hopefully these girls can finally get some peace that they deserve.

Jerks June 7, 2007 9:52 pm (Pacific time)

The sons father was 36 by the way and I don't think that it is any concern of anyones how old he was or is. Rape is Rape weather it is committed by a teacher a child a police man or a priest. None if it is right and I think that you need to sit in on the court room before you post asinine comments about things you were not there to witness or directly involved in. By the way Sterling is GUILTY as sin.

ML June 7, 2007 9:47 pm (Pacific time)

Is the investigation worth it? Are you serious!! If you were the one accused of rape charges, you bet it would be for you! Listen, Sterling is my friend and I am sure he has made many mistakes in his life that we wish we could take back. Don't say that the police department does not cover up!! I cannot say they are all or always corrupt. I have needed their help as well and I deeply appreciated it. Unfortunately, I personally have also seen where they cover up their mess. For those who have never seen corruption in law enforcement, then you have elected to close your eyes to it; maybe you feel that the improper things they do is okay in your book. I know that as private citizens we need all law enforcement; I just think that when something as grave as this, it just might be worth keeping your mind open and look over the facts. Why be afraid of a thorough investigation if you have been given a reason to think that corruption is being conducted? Let Sterling defend his case. I don't believe that "he got caught", otherwise, this would be an open shut case. Unfortunately, Sterling and his attorney do not have access to what the police department does, so they have the upper hand there, but I bet his attorney could find more information to disprove their "facts".

Jeff Gallinger June 7, 2007 7:50 pm (Pacific time)

Much appriciated, Thanks

Tim King June 7, 2007 6:40 pm (Pacific time)

Jeff: Thanks for your thoughts. Here it is in a nutshell: these are by and large the cleanest, most honest and well behaved police I have ever known. I grew up in LA, and have lived in other parts of California, Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. I have seen police at their absolute worst, and this is not where they live. The biggest thing they need credit for is how they go to so much effort to not shoot and kill suspects. You would have to be around for a while to see it, but these guys really try to keep the mortality count low.

I feel like I am bragging about the Salem Police, and I am, which is why I am so conflicted about this case. Sterling has worked for me, and he was a Salem cop when I met him. I've known him for years now and I have heard many people talk about what a good officer he was including those at Salem PD who now face him in court.

So, this case along with one other involving a law-abiding man who had his camera forcibly removed by Salem PD when he was using it to photograph them arresting some gangbangers from public property, under a "Homeland Security" violation, are the only two cases that bother me in all of these years.

Should Salem Police be investigated? Well, I think they do a really good job most of the time and I have not a doubt that high profile cases like this tend to expose lingering problems that still face African-American people everywhere, and Oregon certainly is no exception. An advocate for Sterling Alexander says the federal government(DOJ) sent them a letter saying they were going to investigate the case over allegations of civil rights violations. I think I'll just keep doing the play by play for now the best I can, again thanks for your thoughts.

annonymous June 7, 2007 6:27 pm (Pacific time)

The Salem Police Department is corrupt and is lead by unethical law breakers. From the LT.'s all the way up to the Chief, they are masters over covering everything up.

Jeff Gallinger June 7, 2007 6:24 pm (Pacific time)

To Tim King and/or Editor: This is a little off the subject, but I too knew Sterling for a brief time. No doubt you have seen the can of worms this has opened for bloggers, especially at S-J.com. The emotional impact of these allegations spilling over onto SPD is evident by the number of current and first time posters. My question is this; is the outcry of many of these so-called insiders worthy of some investigative reporting? I don't live in Salem, but I have a very good working relationship with law enforcemet in my line of work and respect what they do very much. I don't believe I've heard so much talk about corruption until now, and it is startling. I appreciate your responses to posts and wondered what your take was on exposing some of these problems. I also may be way off by bringing this up to a "report the facts" kind of forum. Just wondering, Thanks!

CJ June 7, 2007 1:50 pm (Pacific time)

reading the article and being in the courtroom is 2 different things. I respect your opinion anoymous and understand that its based on what you read. It was also her choice to mess around with a police officer. Right now the majority of the info being reported of course is that of the prosecution and that only makes sense but just wait until the defense presents its case and its numerous witnesses that contradicts the several different stories this person has made.

Huh? June 7, 2007 1:32 pm (Pacific time)

Where the heck is the follow up to this saga? THe Urinal has done 2 thus far.... Slackers

Anonymous June 7, 2007 12:59 pm (Pacific time)

CJ.... if you read in the article, he had previously just a month prior to the rape he had taken down her information and ran her birthdate, so he knew how old she was. Hmmmmm.... police officers are usually pretty good about remembering birthdates and things like that for work. I mean come on, yes, females (as well as guys) lie about their age and don't get me wrong I don't approve of that, but not in this case. And as for the girl having a baby with a 39 yr old man, that was her choice. That had absolutely nothing to do with the case. You be a victim of rape and then tell me how you would feel and deal with it. It doesn't matter who it's by it's all the same except for the fact that some of the guys feel like they have more authority in life and that's where he was wrong. Protect and serve. Yeah protect my own rear and serve myself to whatever I want. (Not directing that to all cops). And just to fill you in on a little something, you don't have to remind me of things I already know. I know you'll say something back and that's ok, I understand you are sticking by a friend. So, I'll end it with this. I will let the jury decide whether he is guilty or not but I still have my own opinion and I know that it will always be right.

CJ June 7, 2007 10:35 am (Pacific time)

Anoymous: the email is far from being resolved in court. there are still more emails for the defense to present. Dont you think young girls can lie about their age if they want? hmmmm this girl has a child by another man and guess how old he is??? 39!

Anonymous June 7, 2007 9:58 am (Pacific time)

Just because he's a cop and he's suppose to protect and serve vitctims and blah blah blah, doesn't mean that they alone stand up to that honor. How many times do you hear about "dirty cops." Maybe not so much on the west coast but they are around. Some are just slicker than others. Too bad for him, he got caught. And as for the email... that was resolved in court. I personally think he's guilty and he knows it. Think about it, when they arrested him the first thing he admitted to was "I didn't know she was 17," how would he know that was what they were arresting him for? GUILTY CONSCIOUS?? I would think so.

Maria Lopez June 7, 2007 8:52 am (Pacific time)

Anyone who knows Sterling would know that he is NOT GUILTY! Rape women?? He did not have to... The police department is supposed to protect the innocent and go after the bad guys. Sounds like the Feds will be going after the bad guys - the Salem PD

Anonymous June 6, 2007 9:01 pm (Pacific time)

I have read all the blogs and can speak from an insiders view. The Salem Police are very subjective in who they decide to go after. They do a really good job of covering up for their chosen ones and have no problem sending the others to the wolves. This case is very slanted and shows how the Salem Police need to be investigated on a Federal level and the upper management need to be held accountable for their retalitory and biased practices. Remember - coming from an insider.

clw June 6, 2007 9:00 pm (Pacific time)

slanted??? the salem pd, osp and da's office. their shady involvement in this case can easily be called slanted. I wouldn't be surprised if charges get dropped after reading those emails that clearly shows them "desperate for another victim" so they can seal their case. We may be seeing some city and state job openings soon!

CJ June 6, 2007 8:53 pm (Pacific time)

well put Tim. Its irrelevant where he worked or where he works right now. whats important is the truth and believe me wait until the next article. The truth about certain individuals in our police department and involved agencies is slowly coming out and it is UGLY!

Tim King June 6, 2007 8:23 pm (Pacific time)

The fact that Sterling used to sell ads for us was not necessary to disclose in this article, nor it is necessary to state that he is a personal friend of mine. I know many of the people involved in this and there is not one I don't think the world of, and that includes every individual at Salem Police that I have ever worked with.

John June 6, 2007 7:02 pm (Pacific time)

He worked for you? Shouldn't you disclose that in the article?

Innocent Victim? June 6, 2007 5:10 pm (Pacific time)

Is Alexander Innocent? I don't know. But I do know that the City of Salem will do anything in its power to protect itself, without regard for the truth...

Police Witness of Police Misconduct June 6, 2007 5:08 pm (Pacific time)

I do not know anything about this matter. However, I do know that the police routinely lie and disregard their own directives, rules and procedures when they are "up against" a citizen. Whether Alexander is guilty or not will have to be determined by someone other than me, however if the Salem PD think that they are immune from allegations of their own propriety, they need to sniff around more and acknowledge that their entire system is flawed when they "investigate" police misconduct and excessive force complaints. I hope this guy really is not guilty. If he is, and he used his badge as a "cover-up", then fry him. Otherwise, let's get the truth out and focus on the police's systems that will brutalize and criminalize people who have done nothing wrong.

Hank Ruark June 6, 2007 4:23 pm (Pacific time)

To all: For what it may be worth, I have never met Alexander. But I have encountered some parallel situations,reporting on several. This story is reported precisely as it should be, telling in detail about what happened in court. For Dale Penn, I was Grand Jury foreman; we handled 200 cases, of all varieties, and received praise-on-record for how they were well-managed. HOW it will end is as it should be, too --"up to a real jury". Watch for details to make sure it is in best possible tradition of our American law, which demands solid citizen supervision --the reason S-N reports objectively and in real depth.

Sue June 6, 2007 2:59 pm (Pacific time)

Washington Reporter: Racism is everywhere, not just Salem, Oregon. Don't label all of us! That is another form of bigotry. As far as Alexander, he has been tried in the media and I hope that the coverage from now on is fair.

CJ June 6, 2007 2:37 pm (Pacific time)

Washington Reporter--you are correct in that what has been reported by salem-news is exactly what had taken place in court. Mr. Alexander has been tried by media since this came out after a year and a half ago. OSP was planning the press release days before he was even arrested! Its nice to know he will finally have his day in court and all of Salem will hear that he is innocent.

Thanks Salem News June 6, 2007 1:48 pm (Pacific time)

Thank you for being more comprehensive on this story than the "urinal". Keep up the good work, and I will look for more updates on this story.

Conspiracy? June 6, 2007 1:45 pm (Pacific time)

Innocent until PROVEN guilty is right. I hope the jurors are smart enough to see through to the TRUTH of the case and they weigh both sides of the story VERY carefully before coming to a verdict.

Anonymous June 6, 2007 1:39 pm (Pacific time)

Anyone ever heard of innocent until proven guilty?

Washington Reporter June 6, 2007 1:28 pm (Pacific time)

Slanted? I am just catching the story, can't really see how this report is slanted. I admit that I don't know very much about it, but it looks like a review of what happened in court. Is it slanted because the writer mentions race allegations? Most people don't think reporting what happened at a court trial is "slanted reporting," but then I realize this is in Salem, Oregon, so I guess the reaction isn't much of a surprise.

Salem reader June 6, 2007 12:55 pm (Pacific time)

Now I understand why this story is so slanted....

The Editor June 6, 2007 11:44 am (Pacific time)

Not an employee, but yes, he was contracted to sell ads. However, this case drew too much of his time and Sterling was unable to continue.

Peggy June 6, 2007 10:52 am (Pacific time)

Didn't Alaxander used to work for Salem-news.com?

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