A York City police officer has been arrested and is facing serious charges for allegedly raping a 13-month-old baby.
York resident Cugini was arrested on Tuesday in Dauphin County and charged with rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, and aggravated assault, according to official online court records.
According to Cugini’s LinkedIn profile, he serves as a Cavalry Scout in the PA Army National Guard and has been an active USA Rugby Referee since 2013. Currently, he works full-time as a 911 Dispatcher at York County 911 and is the father of twin daughters.
Cugini is currently detained at Dauphin County Prison, with bail set at $200,000, as reported by WHTM-TV.
The York City Police Department has confirmed that Cugini was a member of their force and was promptly suspended after the allegations surfaced. It was clarified that the officer was off duty at the time of the alleged incidents.
The Lykens State Police issued a news release:
It has come to our attention, a member of this department was arrested for an incident of alleged misconduct and criminal behavior, occurring in Dauphin County. Per our protocol, the individual has been immediately suspended as the investigation continues and the City looks to take the appropriate action.
As everyone knows, I will always be the first to fight and advocate for our people; but they also know (1) how I feel about kids, and (2) that I hold my Officers to the highest of standards (when it comes to representing this Department and engaging with the community)…
And if these allegations are founded, trust and believe I’ll be the first to take swift and definitive action against them.
The investigation began after reports were received between April 11 and April 15 regarding severe injuries sustained by the young child, as stated in the press release.
The Lykens division of the State Police conducted the investigation, which uncovered that the child had suffered several traumatic injuries, including broken bones and indications consistent with sexual abuse.
The victim was brought to Hershey Medical Center for treatment, where the injuries were examined by both the Dauphin County Child Abuse Team and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).
Based on the medical examination, the toddler sustained fractures to the left tibia and fibula, along with other signs of sexual abuse.
Initially, Cugini offered explanations such as diaper rash, accidental falls, and interactions with the family dog. However, charging documents indicate that after further questioning by authorities, Cugini eventually admitted that the child sustained the injuries while solely under his supervision.
As reported by WHTM:
According to State Police, the victim’s mother also disclosed that Cugini had locked himself in the bathroom with the child and that she could hear crying and loud noises coming from the room.
A medical review found the victim’s injuries could not have come from the family dog or a bathroom fall.
State Police say Cugini acknowledged the victim’s injuries occurred while he was caring for the child alone. Cugini was transported to the Dauphin County booking center after being arrested on charges of rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, and aggravated assault.
State Police say their investigation into Cugini is ongoing. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 1.
