Ex-NYPD cop indicted on charges he drugged, raped woman

Ex-NYPD cop indicted on charges he drugged, raped woman
The Journal News by Shawn Cohen - February 6, 2009

WHITE PLAINS - A retired New York City police detective accused of drugging and raping a woman at a Greenburgh motel was indicted on felony kidnapping, rape and assault charges, authorities announced today. Jose Arroyo of the Bronx, 47, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment today on a five-count indictment. He would face up to 25 years in state prison if convicted on the top counts, Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore said.

Arroyo is accused of chatting up the 31-year-old Texas woman at Doyle's Pub in the Bronx on Nov. 14 and slipping a drug in her drink that caused her to pass out. He then took the unconscious woman to the Alexander Motel on Tarrytown Road in Greenburgh, where he allegedly raped her, DiFiore stated. The woman, after waking up the next morning, called Greenburgh police, who made the arrest. While she is adamant that she was raped, Arroyo claims the sex was consensual. DiFiore, in a statement, said the victim was "incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless due to the drug the defendant placed in her drink." Prosecutors say they have videotape showing Arroyo spiking the woman's drink, stirring it up and handing her the glass when she returned to the bar. Following his arraigment this morning in Westchester County Court, Arroyo is free on $100,000 bail. He is due back in court Feb. 17. Arroyo is a former Marine who used to train and recruit other security guards, authorities said. His lawyer described Arroyo as a 23-year officer and respected detective who has held a job for two years managing 30 apartment buildings for a city real estate firm.