Photo: Former NYC Police Officer Michael Peña Sentenced to 75 Years for Brutal Sex Crime
A now-former New York City police officer will likely spend the rest of his in jail for brutally raped a woman who was on her way to work.
Michael Peña, 28, has been sentenced to at least 75 years in prison – 3 consecutively running terms of 25 years to life – for raping a 25-year-old schoolteacher on August 19.
While walking to her first day of work, the victim was snatched off the street by Peña in the early morning. He was reportedly drunk after a morning spent drinking and allegedly raped the woman at gunpoint, using his NYPD-issued pistol.
The defense team claimed Peña was so drunk he doesn’t even remember the incident, which angered State Supreme Court Justice Richard Carruthers, who stated that during the attack, the off-duty officer “was as alert and self-possessed as he was vicious and devious.” Peña’s lawyer also claimed there was no rape, as there was intercourse. As a result, the jury deadlocked on the rape charges, and
After the sentence was handed down, Peña’s attorney criticized its severity saying his client “is not a serial rapist.”
Justice Carruthers noted the sentence took into account the fact that Peña used his NYPD-issued weapon to threaten the victim. As an officer of the law Penna was held to a certain standard and by attacking this woman, he broke the public’s trust.
After the sentence was handed down, the victim is said to have “smiled broadly” while being embraces by her supporters.
Peña has an fiancé in the Dominican Republic and his lawyer claims the incident has “broken” Peña’s family.
