Ex-police officer convicted of arrest without probable cause

OWENSBORO, Ky. (AP) – A former Kentucky police officer has been convicted of arresting a person without probable cause.

The U.S. Justice Department said in a news release Monday that William Dukes Jr. was found guilty last week after five days of trial in federal court in Owensboro. The release said testimony indicated Dukes arrested the person because the person called several law enforcement agencies seeking to file a complaint against him.

Dukes was acquitted of violating the person’s First Amendment rights and of obstruction of justice.

Dukes is a former sergeant with the Providence, Kentucky, Police Department. His lawyer, William M. Butler Jr., didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 13 in Owensboro. Dukes remains free on bond.