A 28-year-old police officer has been suspended from duty following allegations that he raped a 13-month-old girl in his care, resulting in severe injuries.
Reports from Pennsylvania State Police indicate that officers responded to a report of significant bruising on the child between April 11 and April 15.
The infant was taken to Hershey Medical Center, where medical professionals determined she had suffered broken bones and extensive bruising.
Details from criminal complaints noted that the injuries included a broken tibia and fibula, with medical personnel observing signs of sexual violence.
The child’s mother initially claimed the injuries occurred when the girl fell during bath time and attributed other injuries to the family dog, but investigators found her explanations implausible.
Steven Cugini was identified as a suspect after disclosing that he had changed the child’s diapers and bathed her, claiming the injuries happened while he was in the restroom with her.
Ultimately, Cugini confessed to causing the injuries while alone with the child.
He now faces charges including rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, and aggravated assault, with bail set at $200,000.
York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow announced Cugini’s suspension pending the investigation, emphasizing that swift action would be taken if the allegations were substantiated.
