Fired Milwaukee officer sentenced to 24 years in prison

By The Associated Press

CREATED Jul. 30, 2012 - UPDATED: Jul. 30, 2012

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  • Ladmarald Cates. | Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MILWAUKEE- A fired Milwaukee police officer has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman after he responded to her 911 call two years ago.

U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller on Monday said the actions of former officer Ladmarald Cates showed evidence of "a very depraved mind."

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Cates' sentence was shorter than the 30 years recommended by the prosecution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mel Johnson says a lengthy sentence was necessary both to punish Cates and to deter other members of the police department from breaking the law.

In January, Cates was convicted of violating the woman's civil rights by engaging in aggravated sexual abuse while acting under color of law. He testified that the sex was consensual.