(WWJ) An officer with the Detroit Police Department has been charged with the alleged sexual assault of a fellow officer in her home.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy on Friday announced the case against 47-year-old against Lt. Willie F. Duncan, in connection with a reported incident earlier this year.
The allegation is that Duncan entered a woman's home and forced sex against her will, early in the morning of Feb. 20.
The victim — identified as a 39-year-old female DPD officer — said she'd just returned home from a party at around 3 a.m. when Duncan appeared at her door.
When she opened the door, the complainant said Duncan came inside her home and sexually assaulted her.
A warrant request was presented to prosecutors on July 22. Following "a thorough review" of the investigation, Worthy charged Duncan with one felony count of Criminal Sexual Conduct - Third Degree.
He was arraigned in 36th District Court on Friday and received a $25,000/10% bond, with the condition that he have no contact with the victim if released.
Interim Detroit Police Chief James White held a news conference Friday afternoon to express his concern about the charges against Duncan, who has served more than 20 years with the DPD.
"It's troubling, it's devastating, it's something that you can't even prepare for," White told reporters. "I mean, mentally and emotionally, it's very difficult to even comprehend."
He said if goes without saying that such actions certainly do not represent the philosophy, the hard work and the dedication of the men and women who represent the DPD the right way, serving the citizens of Detroit.
"I will say that, you know, the allegations against the lieutenant...to say troubling is an understatement," White added. "But we're going to be transparent and continue to do our investigation. The investigation is still ongoing."
In response to a request for comment by FOX 2 TV, Duncan's defense attorney Sam Bennett said his client maintains his innocence.
Bennett added: "He was incredibly shocked by the allegations. He does know this woman but nothing described in the allegations occurred."
Duncan's next court appearance is a Probable Cause Conference, scheduled for Aug. 27.
He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted as charged.