Doctor in sex case files innocent plea

CONWAY — A Conway physician has asked a court to enter an innocent plea on his behalf to charges of rape and second-degree sexual assault.

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Robert Rook, 61, made the request Thursday in a waiver of arraignment filed in Faulkner County Circuit Court by his attorney, Patrick Benca.

Rook’s arraignment had been scheduled for Tuesday.

Police arrested Rook on June 3 on three counts each of rape and second-degree sexual assault. Both are felonies.

According to a police affidavit, the two women whose complaints resulted in charges against Rook told police that he had fondled their breasts. One of the women also told police he had vaginal contact with her without the gloves a physician normally wears during such an examination.

The Arkansas State Medical Board voted 9-3 on June 9 to suspend Rook’s medical license.

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