VIDALIA, La. — Former Vidalia police officer Rafael Cook on Wednesday pleaded not guilty in Seventh Judicial District Court to three charges in connection with an alleged rape in January.

Cook, 23, of 4717 O’Keefe St. in Bossier City, La., pleaded not guilty to simple rape, malfeasance in office and false swearing for the purpose of violating public health or safety.

A Louisiana State Police investigation revealed that on Jan. 16, Cook drove a woman, who had posted bond after her arrest on a charge of driving while intoxicated, from the Vidalia Police Department to her home, according to Senior Trooper Steve Childers.

After arriving at the woman’s home, Cook then allegedly had sexual intercourse with the woman. No force was involved, Childers said.

Cook is being charged with false swearing for the purpose of violating public health or safety and malfeasance in office because he allegedly gave false statements regarding the incident to Police Chief Billy Hammers and Investigator Bobby Sheppard during the investigation.

As the result, the Vidalia Board of Aldermen on March 14 fired Cook, who had been working for the department for just over one year, for falsifying reports.

At Wednesday’s arraignment, Judge Leo Boothe sentenced Cook to 10 days in jail or a $200 fine for contempt of court because Cook was outside the courtroom when he was called to appear before the judge.

Cook was released later Wednesday upon payment of his fine.

Cook’s next appearance in court will be July 26, when any motions attorneys file in the case will be heard by Boothe. Cook does not have an attorney.