Oklahoma Trooper Accused Of Rape Shows Up Late To Court

A former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper charged with raping three women during traffic stops appeared in court Wednesday. He was an hour and 10 minutes late.

His preliminary trial was set to begin but has been pushed back due to a personal matter with the lead prosecutor. Roberts apologized to Creek County Judge Richard Woolery, saying he thought because the trial was on hold, he didn't need to appear.

The judge sternly let Roberts know that if he is even so much as two minutes late in the future, the judge would forfeit Roberts' bond and set it at $100,000 cash.

10/17/2014 Related Story: Rape Charges Filed Against Former OHP Trooper

Roberts resigned from his trooper position in September after a woman filed a federal lawsuit accusing Roberts of raping her following a traffic stop. Two more women came forward with similar allegations.

Tess Maune, Reporter: "You're accused of raping three women while on duty as a highway patrolman, do you have any comments to the charges against you?"
Eric Roberts: "No, ma'am."

"No, right, no," said Defense Attorney Gary James. "We've got a preliminary trial set, and you'll see some of the case then."

Roberts' preliminary trial has been rescheduled for June 5.