Peekskill Police Officer Michael Agovino, 33, was recently charged with sexual abuse and stalking after he was accused of preying on a woman who suffers from a learning disability. Agovino was said to have been investigating a larceny "allegedly perpetrated by the victim," which initiated a string of unwarranted events to occur [Source: News 12]. The officer, who has since been placed on leave, allegedly took the woman back to her home when the investigation first began and that is where he ordered her to strip "so he could search for the money," according to the felony complaint.

The complaint also states that the officer "groped her while she was naked." Agovino was also accused of demanding sexual favors from the woman, sexually assaulting her twice at her home, and showing up unannounced four times since last summer, says the news source. The victim informed News 12 that the officer was in uniform and on-duty during all the alleged accounts. She also said that she has "recorded proof that Agovino demanded sexual favors" from her.

After Agovino was arrested and charged, he was released on $100,000 bail and recently appeared in court where he plead not guilty to the crimes he has been accused of committing. He is expected to be back in court on March 12, 2020. Aside from this incident, Agovino was also involved in another police brutality case back in 2012 that resulted in the city of Peekskill having to pay out approximately $50,000 to settle the case.

Westchester County District Attorney Speaks Out to Other Sexual Assault Survivors

A few days after Agovino was charged with sexual abuse and stalking, Westchester District Attorney Anthony Scarpino Jr. made a public announcement where he asked other sexual assault survivors to come forward for help with catching their abusers" [Source: CBS New York]. During his speech, he also said, "[Agovino's] case has indicated to us that people are not sure, especially when you have a person in power, sometimes they feel uncomfortable going to their local police, and there are other places to go if they feel uncomfortable doing that."

While police officers are supposed to be the professionals who can be approached for help when someone is being sexually assaulted, there are times when they are actually the individuals who are committing the abuse. If a Westchester County, NY police officer sexually assaulted you or mistreated you in any way, you can always call 914-772-8614 to discuss your encounter with Westchester County, NY police brutality attorney Darren DeUrso. The Law Offices of Darren DeUrso is here to help you understand your rights as a sexual assault victim and is prepared to provide you with the defense you need so that the officer who mistreated you is brought to justice.

Contact Information:

White Plains, New York Attorney

188 East Post Road, Suite 300

White Plains, NY 10601

Phone: (914) 772-8614