After allegedly raping a 13-month-old girl in his care and seriously injuring her, a 28-year-old police officer faces suspension from duty.
According to a report from the Pennsylvania State Police, officers of the Lykens Patrol responded to a report of serious bruises on a 13-month-old between April 11 and April 15. Medical personnel sent the sufferer to Hershey Medical Center, where they discovered extensive bruising and shattered bones.
WHP-TV analyzed criminal reports, which stated that the woman had a shattered tibia and fibula. According to investigators, medical personnel discovered that the girl displayed evidence of sexual violence.
According to WHTM-TV, the 13-month-old’s mother informed investigators that the youngster slipped during bath time. She also reportedly “provided implausible explanations for several other injuries to the victim’s body” and asserted that the family dog caused the child’s significant bruises.
Police have identified Steven Cugini as a suspect. He told detectives during an interview that he changed the girl’s diaper and showered her, causing her injuries in the restroom.
According to WHTM, the victim’s mother informed investigators that Cugini had shut himself in the lavatory with the child and could hear weeping and loud noises.
Cugini subsequently admitted to authorities that the victim’s injuries occurred while he was alone with her, according to WHP. Authorities did not disclose Cugini’s relationship with the child.
According to authorities, on April 16, the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office accepted Cugini’s criminal charges. According to WHTM, the defendant is facing many accusations, including rape, aggravated indecent assault on a child, and assault. He was brought into the Dauphin County Jail on $200,000 bail.
York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow has suspended Cugini while the investigation is ongoing.
“If these allegations are true, trust and believe I’ll be the first to take swift and decisive action against them,” he said.
