Hearing postponed in ex-Modesto officer's assault case

MODESTO -- A judge on Monday postponed a hearing until Dec. 3 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 the prosecutor had just submitted documents related to a search warrant.

The alleged victim, a 37-year-old woman, testified to a grand jury that she was working as a prostitute at the motel. She told the grand jury 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.