Lt. Kieran Crowe, a 23-year-veteran, admitted that he may have scratched his groin area, but said it was because he suffered from jock itch.

"I vehemently deny these charges and I'm confident that my name will be cleared," Crowe said in a statement.

The two cops have filed a federal civil suit, in which the city has refused to defend Crowe.

Crowe's lawyer, Rae Koshetz, says he is appealing the departmental decision.

"Does it make sense that this gentle, homosexual man would seek to coerce and seduce two large, burly heterosexuals?" Koshetz said.

"This case relied on the word of two friends, both financially strapped, admitted liars and malcontents who found a way to use (Crowe) ... as their free ride to easy cash."

Last update: 10-23-2008 14:46