A Pennsylvania police officer was arrested on Tuesday over claims that he sexually abused a 13-month-old girl.
On April 15, police went to the Halifax YMCA Youth Development Center after a child was brought to the center with bruises and unable to walk on her left foot. A trooper who arrived at the scene observed that the girl had bruises on her buttocks and genital area, as well as her face, chest, and foot, as per the York Daily Record.
The child’s mother initially said the girl didn't go to daycare on Friday and that the injuries happened when she slipped in the bathtub. Eventually, she confessed that she lied to protect York City police officer Steven Cugini, 28, as reported by the York Daily Record.
Investigators reportedly found text messages where Cugini admitted to causing the child’s injuries. The child’s mother said she left her daughter alone with Cugini for an hour on Friday, and Cugini alleged that a family dog had knocked her over, resulting in the leg injury.
The next day, Cugini was bathing the girl while her mother prepared dinner. The York Daily Record reported that the mother heard her daughter crying and loud banging. She went to the bathroom, which was locked until Cugini opened the door. An affidavit stated that Cugini’s shirt was wet and claimed the door was locked to keep another child away from the bathroom.
WHP reported that the 13-month-old had a broken tibia and fibula and other injuries suggesting sexual abuse.
York City police said Cugini was immediately suspended after the allegations surfaced. They also mentioned that the crimes occurred when he was off-duty. Officials have not revealed his relationship to the victim.
Cugini was charged with rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, and aggravated assault. His bail was set at $200,000.