From: San Jose Mercury News
By Matthias Gafni 11/14/14
MARTINEZ — Disgraced former California Highway Patrol Officer Sean Harrington pleaded not guilty Friday afternoon to stealing, and then sharing with other officers, explicit photos of female DUI suspects.
Harrington, 35, of Martinez, entered the plea on two felony computer theft charges alleging he stole racy cell phone photos of women he arrested, forwarded them to his phone and shared them with others, including salacious text messages discussing the women. Harrington’s attorney Michael Rains has said he hopes to resolve the case soon and has been discussing a deal with prosecutors and the judge.
In his interview with investigators, Harrington, who has resigned, called the scheme a “game” among CHP officers in Los Angeles and in his most recent position in the Dublin office. Harrington has admitted to his own actions, but has since downplayed the involvement of other officers and now says he only knew of “rumors” that others participated in such an activity.
The CHP has said the “game” was isolated to the Dublin office and are conducting their own investigation. Two other officers who received photos of one or more women from Harrington have not been charged with any crime.
Harrington faces three years and eight months in prison. He is out of custody on $10,000 bail.
