MUSCATINE, Iowa -A former Muscatine police officer convicted of rape has been sentenced to up to ten years in prison.
Tom Tovar appeared in court in an orange jail jumpsuit, hand-cuffs and shackles.
He turned away and tried to ignore the victim impact statement made by Shari Martin, the woman he sexually assaulted.
"I went through a lot of mental issues after this happened. There were weeks when I wouldn't even leave my house. I release you from any anger and bitterness so I can move on with my life," said Martin, who went public with her story last year.
Tovar was convicted in June of raping an intoxicated woman in her hotel room while on duty. He testified they had sex, but it was consensual.
"You violated a public trust, you violated not only Ms. Martin's trust, but you also violated the trust of the members of this community and members of your own department. Hopefully, this sends a message that no one is above the law," said Judge Mark Lawson.
Tovar declined to speak in court, only asking that he be allowed to hug his wife before he left the room.
Tovar will likely spend about four years in prison.