Former Newport News Police Officer Charged with Rape
Former Newport News Police Officer Charged with Rape
Raheem Askew, identified as a former officer with the Newport News Police Department, has been charged with felony rape and booked into the Newport News City Jail.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A former officer with the Newport News Police Department is facing serious criminal charges after being accused of raping an intoxicated woman earlier this month, according to court documents.
Authorities allege that Raheem M. Askew encountered the woman, identified in court filings as “Jane Doe,” around 10:30 p.m. on March 14. Askew and another officer had been dispatched to a commercial area along J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, just north of Interstate 64.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Newport News General District Court, officers found the woman visibly intoxicated, unsteady on her feet, and slurring her words.
Investigators say officers learned the woman was staying at the Country Inn & Suites, located about a half-mile away on the same roadway. One officer reportedly left the scene, while Askew was assigned to provide the woman a courtesy ride back to her hotel.
However, the complaint alleges that Askew “deactivated his body-worn camera” as the trip began and failed to notify dispatchers that he was transporting the woman.
When they arrived at the hotel, authorities say Askew assisted the woman to the elevator and then to her room. Once inside, the complaint alleges that Askew proceeded to have sexual intercourse with her.
Askew has since been terminated from the department. The case remains under investigation, and court proceedings are ongoing.
The allegations have raised renewed concerns about officer conduct, accountability, and adherence to departmental policies, particularly regarding the use of body-worn cameras and interactions with vulnerable individuals.
Authorities confirmed that Askew is no longer employed by the department. Details surrounding the alleged incident, including when and where it occurred, have not yet been fully released as the investigation remains ongoing.
The charges stem from a case handled by local law enforcement, with officials indicating the matter is being treated with the highest level of seriousness. No additional charges have been publicly confirmed at this time.
The arrest marks a significant development, as cases involving former law enforcement officers often draw heightened scrutiny regarding conduct, accountability, and public trust.
As of now, Askew remains in custody pending further court proceedings. It is unclear whether he has obtained legal representation or when his first court appearance will take place.
Jan 24, 1990
Date of alleged crime: 03/14/2026
Charge: Rape by Force/Threat
Complainiant / arresting officer Patrice R. Guillory
Officials have not released information about the alleged victim.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.