OHP trooper charged with sexual assault during traffic stop in Craig County

An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper has been charged with sexual assault and forcible sodomy in Craig County.

The probable cause affidavit says it happened when Officer Jackie Rhinehart stopped the driver of a semi-truck for speeding on March 7. They say it happened on Interstate 44 near Big Cabin.

It says the driver, who speaks broken English, explained that Rhinehart began gesturing toward the man sleeping in the tractor-trailer and that she took that to mean he wanted a sexual encounter.

It is said that after warning her, he got into the semi-truck and rubbed his genitals on her leg. After she got out of the taxi, he indicated that he wanted her to perform a sexual act. They say she was scared and thought about recording the encounter or calling 911, but she feared it would cause more trouble.

It is said that Trooper Rhinehart can be seen pointing to his chest and quietly saying the word “camera.” It is said that even though the traffic stop was over, he went back to his patrol car, stopped the recording in the car and positioned his cruiser so that it no longer showed the cab of the truck.

It says the woman said he returned to her truck and she felt pressured to perform the sexual act.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol released the following statement regarding the incident

“Following an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Criminal Investigation Division, Craig County District Attorney Matt Ballard’s office today filed two criminal charges against Jackie Lee Rhinehart: forcible oral sodomy and sexual battery.”

The incident was uncovered by an OHP supervisor who was conducting a routine review of dashcam videos. The video focused on Rhinehart’s on-duty traffic stop and his unusual interactions with the truck driver. This came to light on March 13, 2024.

The discovery of highly questionable behavior by Rhinehart led to a thorough investigation, including contact with the alleged victim. Rhinehart is currently on administrative leave. An internal investigation is in its final stages.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton says, “Rhinehart’s actions are inconsistent with OHP’s core values: honesty, loyalty, integrity, respect, self-discipline and professionalism.” As soon as we recognized the potential for criminal or unethical behavior, we took action our authorities will take immediate action. Rhinehart’s behavior is deplorable and has no place within the organization. The public places great trust in law enforcement and we strive every day to earn that trust.”

Rhinehar’s lawyer also commented on the allegations in a statement:

Trooper Jack Rhinehart has been a dedicated member of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for 25 years. The charges filed today in Craig County District Court are dismissed by Trooper Rhinehart. The alleged victim did not report any crimes to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Their statements were made weeks after the patrol contacted them.

This case is based entirely on circumstantial evidence. There is no direct evidence of these alleged crimes.

Trooper Jack Rhinehart is innocent of these charges! We will vigorously defend these allegations.