Spokane sergeant pleads not guilty in rape case

The Spokane police sergeant accused of raping a fellow officer pleaded not guilty in Spokane County Superior Court on Monday.

Allegations against Gordon Ennis became public a few days after the party at the home of Officer Doug Strosahl on Oct. 25. A female officer who attended passed out after consuming several drinks and told investigators she woke up to find Ennis with his hand down her pants.

Ennis was charged last week with second-degree rape. An internal review panel put Ennis on unpaid leave until the criminal case against him is completed. He was released from jail on his own recognizance 10 minutes after being booked on the charge.

Under the conditions of his release, Ennis is not allowed to possess firearms or other dangerous weapons and cannot contact the victim, who also was in court for the arraignment Monday.

Ennis’ attorney, Rob Cossey, declined to comment following Ennis’ court appearance.

His trial is scheduled for Feb. 29.

Spokane Police Guild President Sgt. John Gately has been charged with felony rendering criminal assistance and obstructing a law enforcement officer in connection with the case. Investigators believe he informed Ennis that he was being investigated before Spokane County Sheriff’s Office detectives served a search warrant.

Gately has not been booked into jail on the charges.