Washington: A former Indian-American police officer in Massachusetts has been sentenced to five-to-seven years in jail after being found guilty of rape by a US jury.
Rajat Sharda, 34, who was first Indian-American to join the Worcester police department, maintained that he was innocent.
"I don't agree with the decision. I don't agree with the verdict. My client is innocent," defense attorney Peter L Ettenberg said. He described Sharda as a deeply religious man.
According to local media, the jury found Sharda guilty of rape, larceny under USD 250, witness intimidation and open and gross lewdness.
