Ex-cop gets probation in rape case

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - A former Albuquerque Police officer still insists he did not rape a woman who was in his custody. However, on Friday, he entered a "no contest" plea to rape charges in a deal that will keep him out of prison.

David Maes was guarding Sylvia Cordova in 2007 after police say she crashed in a stolen car.

A known prostitute, Cordova claims Maes fondled her, then took her to a park and raped her. Maes claims the sex was consensual. But on Friday he plead "no contest" to both the rape charge and another of false imprisonment.

Maes' defense attorney Joseph Riggs said, "In the end, Mr. Maes acknowledges it's not appropriate for a police officer to have sex with someone in their custody."

Maes could have been sentenced to nearly five years in prison on the charges. At Friday's sentencing the judge said it would have been a difficult case for both sides, and instead ordered Maes to serve five years probation.