Stunned Family Attends Arraignment For NYPD Officer Charged Of Rape
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Loved ones of 27-year-old NYPD Officer Michael Pena showed up to court Saturday to show their support as Pena faced a judge on charges that he allegedly raped a 25-year-old teacher in Inwood.
"He's a good kid. He's a gorgeous person. He's a person with a lot of moral values, a family. We're really in shock, just like everybody else," said aunt Ramona Pena.
Police said the alleged rape happened Friday morning behind an apartment building in Inwood. Pena, drunk and in plain clothes, asked a woman for directions, police say.
He allegedly put his arm around her saying "You're coming with me" while letting the victim see the service revolver in his belt. Police found Pena's gun at the scene. A neighbor who was watching called 9-1-1.
"Not right now. No thank you. I have no comment," defense attorney Jorge Campos told CBS 2's Ann Mercogliano. He had nothing to say after the arraignment, but plenty to say in court.
"If the allegations are true, it's an aberration based on his character," Campos said.
Pena has worked at the 33rd Precinct since 2008. His family says he is engaged to be married.
"He was very proud, very proud to be a police officer. And he was, this is just a surprise for us. This is a very difficult time for the family," Ramona said.
A judge set bail at $500,000 and $1 million for bond.
Pena has been suspended. He's due back in court on August 24.
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