Former Milwaukee Police Officer Indicted for Sexual Assault While on Duty

WASHINGTON –Former Milwaukee Police Officer Ladmarald Cates, 43, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for sexually assaulting a woman while he was on duty, announced the Justice Department.

On July 16, 2010, the victim called 911 to report a crime and request police assistance at her home. Cates was one of the officers who responded to her call. It is alleged that during the time Cates was to be investigating the victim’s complaint, he isolated the victim and sexually assaulted her while his partner and her family members were outside. Cates was also charged with using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to the sexual assault and possessing a firearm in further of the crime.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Milwaukee Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mel Johnson of the Eastern District of Wisconsin and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Saeed Mody.