NORMAN — A grand jury indictment unsealed Friday at the Cleveland County Courthouse accuses a veteran Oklahoma City police officer of participating in illegal gambling activities.
Roland Benavides, 44, of Norman, was indicted on counts each of using a computer to violate the Anti-Gambling Act, collusion and violation of the Anti-Gambling Act.
Cleveland County District Judge Lori Walkley read the charges aloud in her courtroom Friday morning.
Benavides was present with his attorney, Cassandra Williams. Assistant Attorney General Charles Rogers, chief of the Multi- County Grand Jury unit, also attended the brief hearing.
The indictment accuses Benavides of using a computer to access an on-line gambling site which allowed him to access data and communicate with David Roy Tune, 61, of Konawa, about gambling. Tune was indicted by a grand jury May 27, according to court records.
Benavides allegedly placed bets on sporting events and other games of chance, according to the indictment. The illegal activities allegedly happened between Aug. 22, 2008 and Sept. 22, 2010.
Benavides pleaded not guilty. He was released on $2,000 bond on each count.
After the hearing, Rogers said Benavides was charged in Cleveland County because that’s where the illegal transactions occurred.
“He is a police officer,” Rogers said. “He should be enforcing the law.”
Oklahoma City Police Master Sgt. Gary Knight said Benavides has been with the department for 19 years. Benavides, assigned to the Investigations Division, has been placed on administrative leave with pay.
Knight said he didn’t know the exact date when Benavides was placed on leave.
When reached by phone Friday afternoon, Williams said her client doesn’t have any comment regarding the indictment at this time.
A preliminary hearing conference was scheduled for 10 a.m. July 6.
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@norman-transcript.com
