| Updated: 4/02/2009 8:54 am |
Published: 3/31/2009 12:00 pm |
The former Alexander Police Sergeant accused of raping three children is out of jail on bond. Jeffrey Garcia tells FOX16 he didn't commit this crime and he's surprised and devastated by the charges.
"It's bogus, I didn't do any of that. I do, I love my job and wouldn't jeopardize that for anything," says Jeffrey Garcia.
But Garcia stepped down from his position as Sergeant with the Alexander Police Department after getting charged with raping three children. Benton Police arrested Garcia Monday. Wednesday, a judge released him on bond and ordered him to have no contact with the children involved in this case.
Garcia wouldn't say much about his accusers."Somebody that I know. I'm surprised, I'm heartbroken."
In an earlier interview, Alexander Assistant Police Chief Tommy Leath said Garcia built up a rapport with the community and they've never had any problems with him. This all came as a huge surprise, he supports Garcia.
"It's all in the courts hands, they're gonna make the final say so in this case and I really hope it comes out on Jeff's side," says Leath.
When word got out in Alexander that Garcia was charged with rape many people came to his defense and Garcia says for that he's grateful. "I know they are and I appreciate them very much."
Garcia is not only leaning on their support, he's looking to God to help him through this.
Garcia was released on a $25,000 bond. The prosecutor had asked for a higher bond saying he considered Garcia a flight risk. Garcia heads back to court May 12th, at that time he is expected to enter a plea.