Former Stephens County Deputy Says Sexual Assault Accusations Untrue

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

DUNCAN, Oklahoma -- A former Stephens County deputy accused of sexually assaulting two teenage girls during traffic stops is sharing his side of the story.

Brandon Balthrop, 27, is also accused of sexual misconduct with a former co-worker at the Duncan Police Department.

"It's been frustrating and a one-sided story," said Balthrop from his attorney's office in Duncan Thursday afternoon. "This is devastating. It's affected my family, my friends and it's ruined my name. It's hard to walk down the street when people think I'm this monster who terrorizes women and that's not the case."

Jim Kee, Balthrop's attorney, said his office has gathered enough evidence to prove his client is innocent.

"If you look at the affidavit, you will see he admits there was an incident that occurred, but it was a prank and a deal between friends," Kee said. "I would not be surprised if this case is dismissed prior to any trial."

The other charges involved two teenage girls Balthrop is accused of pulling over in separate traffic stops. Kee said he has the evidence to prove Balthrop never kidnapped or raped the girls, who Kee said happened to be friends.

"I think this is all a concoction of two very young ladies who want the publicity and possibly a lawsuit against the Stephens County Sheriff's Office," Kee said.

In all Balthrop is facing five counts of sexual misconduct.

The charges were filed this week but Sheriff Wayne McKinney said he fired Balthrop before that because agents with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigators said Balthrop refused to cooperate during a polygraph test. Kee said that was not true.

"They know this is one of the weakest cases that has ever come down the Pike," Kee said.

Balthrop said he's getting by with the support of family and friends, but one of the biggest disappointments in all this, he said, was his former boss, Sheriff McKinney.

"He didn't stand behind me and when the going got tough, he lost his back bone and took the easy way out," Balthrop said.

Balthrop said if he is cleared of the charges he will not return to law enforcement. If he is found guilty, Balthrop could face up to life in prison.

A preliminary hearing in this case is scheduled for November.

More:

• Stephens County Deputy Charged with Allegedly Sexually Assaulting 3 Women