Michael Agovino of Palisades was recently indicted for sexually abusing a woman while on duty as a Peekskill Police Officer, announced Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino Jr.
Agovino was arraigned on a 20-count indictment before Westchester County Court Judge Susan Cacace on three counts of second-degree burglary as a sexually-motivated felony, two counts of second-degree burglary, two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, one count of second-degree attempted burglary as a sexually-motivated felony, one count of second-degree attempted burglary, one count of first-degree stalking as a sexually-motivated felony, and one count of first-degree falsifying business records, all felonies; and four counts of official misconduct, two counts of forcible touching, and three counts of third-degree coercion, misdemeanors.
“This indictment shows that no police officer should ever get away with abusing the power entrusted to them,” said Scarpino. “And once again, we want to assure victims of any crime they should feel safe coming forward. We are here to help.”
Agovino, 33, has been placed on leave from the Peekskill P.D. pending the outcome of the case. He had spent several days in the county jail before posting a $100,000 bond.
The accusations against Agovino come from a Peekskill woman who allegedly audio taped his actions against her. An investigation by the D.A.’s office found that Agovino accused the woman, who is learning disabled, that he was under investigation for a larceny. They both then went to the woman’s apartment, where Agovino told her to undress and allegedly groped her.
The charges against Agovino stem from three different times that he allegedly went to the woman’s apartment and had her undress and groped her. Two were last year, and the last incident occurred in January of this year, when the woman taped the encounter, according to the D.A.’s office.
“The city is committed to the safety and well-being of our local citizens and will continue to fully cooperate with the District Attorney’s Office in this investigation,” said Peekskill Mayor Andre Rainey.
Peekskill Police Chief Donald Halmy added: “The entire City of Peekskill, including the Common Council, are saddened to learn about the arrest of Police Officer Michael Agovino and the charges alleged against him. Allegations such as these have the tendency to destroy such respect and trust of our officers in blue. We know we are held to a higher standard, and we will continue to work toward restoring the public’s trust.”
Agovino has been a member of the Peekskill P.D. for 10 years. His attorney is noted criminal defense attorney Andrew Quinn, who often represents police officers charged with crimes.
During a court appearance before Peekskill City Court Judge Reginald Johnson last month, Quinn asked the judge to preserve evidence from the case, including a News 12 story and interview of the victim, in which she might have identified another police officer as her abuser. That identification came from a photo from the Peekskill P.D.’s page, and could place doubt as to which officer allegedly forced himself on her.
But if there is an audio tape of the last encounter, Agovino’s voice might be identifiable.
After Agovino reportedly signed an order of protection agreeing to stay away from the woman, her family was outraged over the fact that Agovino was walking out of court, and jail, after posting bond.
