Cop faces jury on hooker accusation

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The trial began Tuesday for a former Austin police officer accused of having sex with a hooker while he was on duty.

Both sides made their opening arguments and the key witness in this trial looks to be the prostitute Scott Michael Lando is accused of giving drugs to in exchange for sex.

Lando is facing several charges of prostitution, delivery of a controlled substance and aggravated assault by a public servant for incidents that go back to May of 2006.

Lando was an officer for Austin Police Department, and in his line of work, he had access to drugs from dealings with drug dealers.

In its opening arguments, the state says Lando delivered some of those drugs to Denise Pfiefer, the prostitute they say will testify before them that Lando is guilty of giving her the drugs and other items in exchange for sex.

Lando's defense team, led by Travis Williamson, said Pfeifer has changed her statements many times and is not credible.

The first part of the day has featured testimony from some of Lando's old colleagues at the Austin Police Department.

The evidence heard in this trial is only for delivery of controlled substance charges.

The state can later decide to go forth on the misuse of official information, prostitution and aggravated assault by a public servant charges.