Former Powell Officer Faces Sex Assault Charges

POWELL, Wyo. (AP) — A former Powell police officer is accused of using his former position of authority to get a woman to submit to unwanted sexual contact.

The Associated Press reports Kirk B. Chapman is charged with third-degree sexual assault, and a judge ruled last week that there is enough evidence for the case to proceed.

The newspaper reports Chapman encountered the woman after officers stopped to deal with two men wrestling outside a bar. The woman, who apparently was worried about getting in trouble for public intoxication, asked officers for a ride home, and Chapman agreed to drive her.

The woman alleges Chapman inappropriately touched her and kissed her at her home.

Chapman repeatedly denied the allegations to investigators.

Chapman resigned in November. He is free on a $2,500 cash bond.