Modesto ex-officer's hearing postponed

MODESTO -- A judge on Monday postponed a hearing until Nov. 15 to schedule a trial date for a former Modesto police officer accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a motel room.

Lee Freddie Gaines, 27, has been charged with oral copulation by force, being armed with a firearm while committing a sexual offense, sexual battery and assault under color of authority.

Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Marie Silveira postponed Monday's hearing because she had to unseal some material collected during the investigation so the prosecution could provide that evidence to Gaines' defense attorney.

The alleged victim, a 37-year-old woman, testified to a grand jury that she was working as a prostitute at the motel. She has told The Bee she got a call for service and the officer came to her motel room. She said the officer handcuffed her and demanded oral sex. Gaines has pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains free on bail.