Detective reinstated after cleared of rape charges
Watson
The accusation sullied his name, took his job, stole his freedom.
Hanahan police Detective Cassie Watson is back to work. But the accusation — rape — put him through a two-month ordeal that is only now coming to a close.
"I didn't like how my name, my family name, was put out there like I'm a criminal, which is what I have fought against my entire life," Watson said. "And that kind of criminal is the worst kind of criminal."
The 40-year-old recalled the episode from his living room Thursday morning. He had first learned of the charges against him just a few feet away on the night of Aug. 3.
Earlier that evening, a woman had called police saying Watson raped her at gunpoint inside her apartment on North Charleston's Mosstree Road. Within hours, officers arrived in force at his doorstep in the Waylyn neighborhood off of Dorchester Road.
At first, he thought they were there to inform him of a death in the family. He soon learned otherwise.
"They pulled me off the top step and told me I was under arrest for criminal sexual conduct," Watson said. "I had no idea what they were talking about."
The arrest of a police officer was big news.
Watson had worked in Hanahan for two years. He started in patrol and became a detective last year, investigating robberies and burglaries, even four rapes.
Now the roles were switched: He was charged with criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.
He spent 17 days confined to a cell almost full time. He withdrew into himself.
Police chaplain Horace Curry was his most frequent visitor. Watson's dad stopped by, but the detective didn't want him there.
Previous Stories
Rape charges against detective are dropped, published 09/27/08
Officer accused of rape;Woman says she went on 1 date with detective, published 08/05/08
"I didn't want any of my family members to see me in that jumpsuit," he said.
He was used to wearing a uniform, after all. He had served nine years in the Air Force as a policeman. After that, he worked five years at the state's Coastal Pre-Release Center on Leeds Avenue, next to the jail where he was locked up.
The smallest deprivations bothered him most: "Rain. While I was locked up, I couldn't hear rain." He missed his dogs, his mother calling once a week.
A month and six days of house arrest followed his jail stay. Then the case was dropped.
Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson dismissed the charges Sept. 26, saying that Watson's accuser was "adamant" about not going forward. The solicitor said investigators found no physical evidence to support her account. And, Wilson noted, the woman had a history of making unfounded sexual-assault accusations.
Watson's attorney, Daniel Martin Jr., said Watson could have been treated more courteously around the time of the allegations.
"We felt like this was a rush to judgment and some basic investigation of these allegations would have exonerated Watson immediately," Martin said.
Watson said that he asked for a lawyer as soon as detectives asked him for a statement.
North Charleston Police Chief Jon Zumalt reviewed the case with his investigators and believes they acted appropriately.
"I don't see that there was anything we could change given the circumstances that were presented to us that night," Zumalt said. "It's all very unfortunate."
Watson met the woman through an online dating service. Though she told police they met two years ago, he said it was in late 2004 or early 2005. They saw each other "casually" about six times, he said, then a few years passed before they met by chance in June, and met up again Aug. 3. Watson said the two had consensual sex that day, and tests later proved that to be the case. But the woman making allegations told police a different story.
Reached by phone Thursday, the 37-year-old woman declined to comment.
"I'm not saying nothing," she said. "My attorney has told me not to make a statement and I'm not doing it."
Watson said her description of the attack didn't make sense. He received a cell phone call from her at 6:44 p.m., a half-hour after she said an assault ended. By then, he said, he was at home watching the Pocono 500 NASCAR race on television.
Why, he asked, would she call him if a brutal attack had taken place? He thinks her feelings were hurt because he hadn't stayed with her after their encounter.
Now, Watson is leery of anybody outside a small circle of family, colleagues and longtime friends. He thanked his family and a wide range of Hanahan officials for standing by him after the arrest: Mayor Minnie Blackwell, City Council, Police Chief Donald Wilcox and other members of the department.
Other support, he said, came from unexpected quarters: "I had ex-inmates coming to my house and saying that, 'If it had been anybody else, I would have believed it. But not you.' "
Watson had been on paid suspension. Now cleared, Hanahan police sent paperwork to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy to get him reinstated.
The call came around noon Thursday informing him he could return. He was a detective again. He was back in his office later that afternoon.
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Comments
This article has 40 comment(s)
Posted by kontact on October 10, 2008 at 1:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Normally, we have cases of people being wronged by police and the officers strangely getting off without repurcussions. Hopefully this man can get his career back on track and go on with his life. Reading other cases about this woman, it seems she needs some mental health counseling. Good job Scarlett Wilson for clearing this officer's name in a timely manner.
Posted by lillycollette on October 10, 2008 at 3:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations. I’m glad Detective Watson’s name has been cleared in this mess.
(And he needs to be glad that this nut wasn’t some damn drug & politically connected party-girl or her -- Allegations -- may have been the only evidence required.)
Posted by lillycollette on October 10, 2008 at 3:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The powers-that-be sure do take care of -- their -- girls.
Posted by EqualityB4theLawThinkAgain on October 10, 2008 at 5:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It has gotten too easy for someone to scream rape, sexual harassment, or so and so is a predator, or so and so molested me 25 years ago, and to destroy another's life. Society and legislatures need to examine these laws and use good common sense, rather than pander for votes. Look at South Carolina's sodomy laws. Until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a Texas case that it was none of the State's business what happened between consenting adults in private, any adult who participated in oral sex in SC with another adult (even their spouse), whether they were straight or gay, was guilty of a felony. Charlie Condon, then attorney general, actually waisted state taxpayer's money to defend this archaic notion along with Texas and 11 other states by filing a friend of the court brief.
Posted by justmyview on October 10, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am surprised that no charges have been brought against this woman for making a false claim of rape and causing officer Watson to endure unnecessary scrutiny and detention. At the very least, the woman should be forced to go through court ordered psychiatric help.
Posted by Bones on October 10, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok, good that this fellow was not wrongfully prosecuted. Seems she cried "wolf" when there was none. I believe you have to sign a complaint swearing under penalty of law (?) that the statements you made are true. Why is she not currently arrested and awaiting a bail hearing? Whatever the charges they bring against her, the penalties should be just as severe as what he was facing with her false allegation.
Posted by Bones on October 10, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
justmyview, you obviously are typing to fast or are you looking over my shoulder?
Posted by charlestonpride on October 10, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The officer can sue her, but it's a civil matter for him. The DA can bring criminal charges againt her, but that probably won't happen.
Posted by aimpulsive on October 10, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
justmyview, I AGREE!! A man's life has been ruined...she needs to be held accountable.
Posted by ColdBud on October 10, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm curious as to why the woman's name has not been published?
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on October 10, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm so glad this officer finally has his job back. I don't get how these women can throw out accusations,ruin a mans life and then they are not punished?
Posted by SpiderJohn on October 10, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This woman has caused harm not only to the officer, but for woman that have honestly been abused. When you make false allegations you set the system for doubt.
How will the police look at the next woman that comes in with a real charge?
Posted by CMLMADDOG on October 10, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's frightening that someone simply can make a claim like that and ruin someone's life.
Posted by Confuzzled on October 10, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am pleased with the outcome of this case and Detective Watson's reinstatement. I, too, think the woman who brought these charges should be held criminally responsible. Afterall, I am sure she signed an affidavit when she gave her initial statements that led to Watson's arrest. Nowadays, women are crying 'wolf' alot more than is known. Just ask a City of Charleston police officer and they will tell you that they field numerous calls from College of Charleston students who file these reports. Watson was a well respected man in law enforcement and I sincerely hope he can pick up where he left off and assume his duties accordingly.
Posted by RTC on October 10, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's all fine and dandy that the officer had his named cleared and was reinstated.
Now, who or what is going to undo the damage to his reputation and his emotional and mental status?
This woman needs to have HER name dragged through the mud and HER picture in the paper. She has a past history of making false allegations, but her identity is protected?
Go figure.
Posted by BigSargeofSC on October 10, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"And, Wilson noted, the woman had a history of making unfounded sexual-assault accusations."
So, someone didn't stop to think about this fact before they trashed this man's name and family?
Posted by abitskeptical on October 10, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hello again CB
Posted by Girleygirl on October 10, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
She does not have to get mental evaluation. This woman is not crazy, she's a pathological liar and charges should be brought up against her for false allegations. I have a feeling though, since she has a lawyer now,that she is going to stick to her story and she don't want to pursue her case because she is afraid. Nothing criminal about that right? Lawyers have to protect liars too!
SO I do hope this detective brings a civil suit up against her. Even though the case was dropped, she raped him out of 2 months of his life.
Posted by kontact on October 10, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Coldbud-Are you a old friend? HAHAHA
Posted by CHRISJIII on October 10, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Glad that this man's name is cleared of this allegation. The woman should now be prosecuted or at least have her identity revealed so that no one else falls into her trap.
Posted by tc1 on October 10, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Even though the case was dropped, she raped him out of 2 months of his life."
This is something that an honest caring decent person would never ever forget or stop having nightmares for the rest of their life. As a LEO how will it affect his decisions in the future? False accusations of this nature can be just as devestating to the accused as valid accusations are to real rape victims IMO.
Posted by n4dhs on October 10, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Whoa - I am pretty conservative politically but what the heck is this about consensual sex out of wedlock - good thing when I had sex with my husband before we got married over 20 years ago we lived in California....
Posted by eyfigueroa on October 10, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Someone earlier mentioned how this woman's deceit may actually harm women who are truly sexually assaulted. Most LE's are wonderful caring people that are to-notch professionals. But who is to say that the next woman who comes to this department with an allegation isn't somehow looked upon as suspect all because of this idiota's 'crime'.
and yes I feel it is a crime to falsely accuse someone of a crime, especially if an arrest/conviction is the end result.
Her name and pic needs to be plasterd on billboards all along I-26!
Posted by captivated on October 10, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You took the words right out of my mouth, ColdBeer, er, I mean ColdBud. Tell us who she is so we can avoid her deceitful behind.
Posted by sc4peace on October 10, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's amazing to me how close-minded some people are- sex out of wedlock is against the law?? are you kidding me- and p.s. Who you do in the bedroom has nothing to do with how well you can do your job- build yourself a time machine and jump back into Puritan times- seems to be where you are in your head anyway
Posted by carolinagal on October 10, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
so will he be reimbursed for the pay he lost?
Posted by SpiderJohn on October 10, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by ASHLEY_COOPER on October 10, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Now they have a test that proves sex is consensual? And as to the woman being a pathological liar isn't that an oxymoron?
Having sex out of wedlock is still a violation of the law as far as I can tell, consensual or not.
The problem is that when gays, lesbians and atheist run the bureaucracy, and to a large extent the media and entertainment industries, justice is seldom perceived, much less served.
Ah, Ronnie, the evil empire is among us and it wants to crown its own King in the form of Barrack Hussein Obama.
You posted something simular to this on the wright whale article.........homophobe!
Posted by Missing_Home on October 10, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I Hope He sues
Posted by lawguy on October 10, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As a unbiased law enforcement officer, I am concerned with the way North Charleston P.D. handled this case. Not because another officer was involved, but becuase it was not investigated per investigations 101. Upon receiving the report (please dont try to use freshly committed stuff that I know NCPD will try to use in this case). You send the victim to get seen and processed for evidence. As this is being conducted, you conduct a brief background on the suspect (if any) and victim. Based on what the background reveals on both parties, you then decide on what course of action you take. A simple background would have uncovered her multiple accusations and the investigator/detective should of polygraphed her. The suspect in this case should have been interviewed first (not have NCPD storm his residence). The bottom line, this chief was wrong to even state that his officer did nothing wrong..but it does not suprise me. NCPD is well known for thier cowboy approach to all crimes.
Posted by IronWoman on October 10, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a breath of fresh air to see this case closed in such a timely manner. (I'm sure not fast enough for Detective Watson). I can't imagine much worse than being accused of such an offense as this, when it was totally fabricated. When my oldest daughter was a toddler, the husband of her babysitter was accused by his step-daughter of sexual assault. I was terrified thinking my child had been in his home every day for months! But as it turns out, the teen was lying because she was mad at her step-Dad for something, ... admitted the whole thing, said nothing ever happen. But the pain and suffering that man went through, ... the humiliation and embarrassment was devastating. I didn't knwo how to feel, ... I thought he was a trustworthy man, but when she 'cried wolf', ... of course I had to take her story for what she said. I felt so bad for this man, ... I watched him sit and cry, I watched him lose weight, I watched him lose his dignity, ... all over a selfish, spoiled, teen, lashing out her 'anger'.
I hope Detective Watson can put this behind him, knowing that his friends, neighbors, co-workers, and the rest of society are behind him, trust him, and are thankful that the truth came out.
Now, ... like everyone else has said. We want to know WHO this woman was that didn't care about dragging him through hell, so we can all stay clear of her. And she SHOULD be charged with for her actions, and serve time accordingly.
Posted by n4dhs on October 10, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Um I really think that Ashley Cooper needs to get a little sumtpin sumptin - hes making a lot of us conservatives think that he/she is nuts - I am a republican but a social liberal - you dont see what goes on in my bedroom and i dont care what does or maybe does NOT go on in yours....
Posted by katsplay on October 10, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Carolinagal...you asked: "so will he be reimbursed for the pay he lost?"
The article states that he was on PAID suspension. Thankfully he didn't lose the pay. But the taxpayers did--all this time when this detective could have been working. Maybe this "woman" should have to reimburse the city for that.
Posted by ColdBud on October 10, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hello again, yes, an old friend. Not sure what happened yesterday but I think someone at the P&C forgot some medication.
Posted by Girleygirl on October 10, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL @ n4dhs
Posted by southerngirl45 on October 10, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Like the election, I'm undecided.Before you come at me though think about this........Either she is crazy as hell(which she may be)Or just plain stupid. Personally I would be afaid to accuse someone in athority, especially someone who carries a gun.If she called him within minutes of the accused attack that would mean he had his way and abruptly left.He could have hung around long enough at least for her to put her clothes back on. I'm just saying! It is really weird about this story however. I would love to know who the accuser is because she vaugly reminds me of someone who is a pathological liar and always has to add some sexual fantasy to her posts. THEY SHOULD RELEASE HER NAME TO THE PUBLIC SO SOME OTHER INNOCENT PERSONS DON'T GET CAUGHT IN HER LIES.(OOPS sorry about the caps)This officer should sue her and let her know what it feels like to have her name smeared.She is either afraid to go forward or she needs to be exposed. One or the other.
Posted by kontact on October 10, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
coldbud-glad to see your ok--needed someone to argue with:
Posted by ysillyme on October 10, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
so this negro sex pig got away w/ rape, figures..his leo buds probably covered for him. If not why wasn't the woman charged?
Posted by BPFROM843 on October 10, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
another case of covering up and protecting their own
Posted by kontact on October 10, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yall last two idiots--did yall not know that the lady has a history of lieing about being sexually assaulted. She did it like over 3 times to other people that werent cops.And why ohh why do we have to get racial? Not called for so beat it!!
Posted by Lovely_One on October 10, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
kontact, just ignore ysillyme. He/she/it is stuck somewhere in the past and his head is stuck up his butt. He referred to this man as a "negro", what else is there to be said about him/her/it?