A York City police officer accused of sexually abusing a 1-year-old girl while off-duty has resigned from the department, Commissioner Michael Muldrow said in a video statement Monday.
State police charged Steven K. Cugini, 28, of Springettsbury Township, last week with rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child and aggravated assault – attempt to cause serious bodily injury or caused injury with extreme indifference.
State police investigated the alleged abuse after a Dauphin County day care worker noticed the child had suffered injuries.
Cugini was released on $200,000 bail, according to online court records. He could not immediately be reached for comment.
Probation officer resigned after recommendation for dismissal
In an eight-minute video, Muldrow said his department was alerted April 16 to an investigation involving a probation officer. The agency received only brief information about the circumstances at the time.
Cugini was immediately suspended, Muldrow said.
After Cugini was charged with numerous, serious offenses, his suspension became without pay, Muldrow said. The department has reviewed the allegations, court documents and its status.
Muldrow said he recommended to officials that the officer be fired and the city began the process. Cugini contacted the department Friday and decided to resign, Muldrow said.
Muldrow said he directed the department to conduct notifications and reporting at the state level to trigger possible reviews of Act 57 through the State Education and Training Commission. municipal police officers.
An external expert is brought in to examine the processes
As a result of these allegations, York City Police revised its screening processes and steps, Muldrow said.
He described the many steps they take, including written tests, a thorough background investigation and a psychological exam.
“While it’s a tough pill to swallow, we had to recognize that ultimately you never really know what’s in people’s hearts and minds,” he said . “You just do your best to catch it before, keep an open and vigilant mind during and be ready and willing to act after when and if all your effort and process fails to prevent the unthinkable.”
Muldrow said he is always looking for ways to improve the process and will bring in an external industry expert to ensure the department’s monitoring standards are as rigorous as possible.
Muldrow: ‘My heart still breaks when things like this happen’
“As a father, a grandfather, a person who has dedicated most of his professional life, over 24 years, to wearing this badge, to serving and protecting children, families, my schools and this community, my heart still breaks when things like this happen,” Muldrow said.
“And I understand how everyone is feeling right now. I just thank God for these daycare workers, these obligatory reporters, who were vigilant and stepped in and helped his little soul,” he said.
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