A former Indian-American police officer in Massachusetts has been sentenced to five-to-seven years in jail after being found guilty of rape by a US jury. Rajat Sharda, 34, who was first Indian-American to join the Worcester police department, maintained that he was innocent. "I don't agree with the decision. I don't agree with the verdict. My client is innocent," defense attorney Peter L Ettenberg said. He described Sharda as a deeply religious man.

According to local media, the jury found Sharda guilty of rape, larceny under $250, witness intimidation and open and gross lewdness. Judge David Ricciardone sentenced Sharda to the prison sentence for the rape charge and 10 years of probation for the other charges. "He had a badge. He had a gun. His actions are frankly disgusting," Assistant District Attorney Ryan Donahue said before the judge issued his ruling.