School Teacher Testifies Against NYPD Officer Accused Of Raping Her
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A school teacher who accused an off-duty New York City police officer of raping her in Upper Manhattan took the stand Friday.
Recounting in vivid detail the alleged attack, the 25-year-old victim -- with tears in her eyes and a look of utter contempt -- pointed to Officer Michael Pena to identify him in court as the man she says raped her last summer in Inwood.
Pena's attorney had opened his case by admitting his 27-year-old client attacked the woman, but didn't technically rape her.
1010 WINS' Al Jones reports
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Under cross examination the alleged victim made it clear by saying "in my mind, he raped me."
Authorities said on Aug. 19, 2011, a drunken Pena stopped to ask the woman for directions to the subway. When the woman refused, he allegedly opened his jacket to display a handgun and told the woman "you're coming with me."
Pena, who was coming off an overnight shift, allegedly forced the woman to the courtyard of a building on 217th Street and raped her, said authorities. Police said a resident of the building noticed something happening and called 911.
Pena was arrested by arriving officers who later found his police badge and gun.
The alleged victim was attacked while waiting for a ride for her first day at a Bronx charter school.
Last September, Pena pleaded not guilty to several charges, including two counts of rape, three counts of a criminal sexual act and five counts of predatory sexual assault.
Pena had worked at the 33rd Precinct since 2008.
He is being held on Rikers Island on $500,000 bail.
