A former San Diego police officer accused of befriending a prostitute, raping her and forcing her to perform sexual acts at Presidio Park pleaded not guilty in court.
Daniel Dana, 26, was arraigned Friday at the San Diego County Courthouse.
His attorney entered not guilty pleas to all four counts in the complaint which include, oral copulation under color of authority, rape under color of authority, assault and battery by officer, and false imprisonment by violence, menace, fraud and deceit.
Judge Joseph Brannigan ordered Dana to turn in his personal firearm and set bail at $300,000.
Dana answered "yes, sir" whenever questioned by judge.
A 34-year-old woman claims she was raped and forced to “orally copulate” Dana, 26, Wednesday night while he was on-duty, according to police.
Complete Coverage: Trouble Behind the Badge
The woman told police she had developed a recent friendly relationship with the officer. She said she received a text message from him and arranged to meet him.
Dana allegedly told the woman that she would be arrested if she did not perform sexual acts with him. Fearing arrest, the woman went to Presidio Park and complied with his demands, police said. She then called police.
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Dana was booked Wednesday afternoon about 2 p.m.
Sources say investigators took the allegations very seriously because they checked the officer's GPS system on his car and the location where the woman claimed the officer took her matched up with the GPS.
The officer was confronted Wednesday after his shift and refused a police line up, according to sources.
San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne says a police captain had talked to Dana just last week about integrity and professionalism.
“And I can tell you before that officer went out to work last night, after we did the briefing with the community of San Diego, and he was again talked to by his sergeant and unfortunately this incident took place,” said Lansdowne on Wednesday.
Dana no longer works for the police department, according to Lansdowne.
The former officer was on the force for about five years, working out of western division in the Midway area.
Dana has been married to his wife for five years. They share a home in Escondido.
Several other seasoned officers have been involved in a number of investigations in the last four months ranging from suspicion of driving under the influence to allegations of stalking, rape and sexual battery under the color of authority.
On Tuesday, Lansdowne said he would work hard to repair the department's reputation but acknowledged "it will take years to repair that between us and the people of San Diego.”
A complaint hotline has been setup. The 24-hour line is confidential and both citizens and members of the department are welcome to use it. Lansdowne says he will review allegations and the information himself. The number is (619) 531-2672.
Dana’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 18.
