The trial of a Greenburgh cop accused of coercing a former dominatrix caught up in legal trouble into having sex with him began Monday.

Gina Pane accuses officer Erik Ward of sexually harassing her after she was arrested for marijuana possession in January. Pane says Ward met her near her Doral Arrowwood house in Ryebrook the day after her arrest, which is supported by video surveillance. She claims Ward promised to help get rid of the drug charge in exchange for sex. Pane, known on her Web site as Angela Bella, says she performed a sex act over the state line in Greenwich, Connecticut on those conditions.

Ward was suspended without pay and charged with official misconduct. Although Ward and his attorney declined to comment Monday, they have previously said Pane's motives for the accusations are embarrassment for leading a double life and money.

The non-jury trial is scheduled to continue on November 28 and a civil court process will continue soon after. Pane's marijuana possession case is still pending.