NYPD Officer From Yonkers Accused of Rape

NYPD Officer From Yonkers Accused of Rape

The Associated Press - August 21, 2011

NEW YORK — An off-duty New York City police officer accused of raping a teacher is being held on bail of $500,000 cash or $1 million bond. Officer Michael Pena, who the New York Times said lives in Yonkers, was arraigned Saturday in Manhattan Criminal Court on charges of first-degree rape, criminal sexual act and predatory sexual assault. His defense attorney could not immediately be reached by telephone. Pena is accused of grabbing the 25-year-old woman off a residential street, showing her a gun and raping her in a backyard. He was arrested Friday by officers after police say a witness saw through her window that something was happening in the backyard and called 911. Pena has been suspended without pay. He is an officer in the 33rd Precinct in Washington Heights. The alleged rape took place in the neighboring Inwood section.