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Gunpoint Rape Cop Gets Another 10 Years In Prison
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 16, 2012
Modified Jul 16, 2012
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 16, 2012
Modified Jul 16, 2012
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After being sentenced to 75 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting a teacher in an Inwood apartment complex's courtyard last summer, ex-police officer Michael Pena also pleaded guilty to raping her as part of his plea deal. Today, a judge added on another 10 years—to be served concurrently—for the rape charges.
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Richard Carruthers said, "This sentence in no way reflects the seriousness or the grievous nature of his crimes," and explained it was "for one reason and for one reason only. That is to spare the victim from having to confront her attacker again." (The jury had a mistrial over the rape charges, in spite of victim and witness testimony, as well as testimony from a disgusted arresting officer.)
None of Pena's family attended the hearing. Pena's lawyer, who once acknowledged his client committed an "unforgivable" crime, said, "He obviously realizes he has destroyed his life. And that he has affected a young woman's life, and disappointed his family and his police department. He's a broken man. But he has some hope that he will not be carried out of prison in a box."
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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