York police officer charged with sexually assaulting 13-month-old child: state police

A York County man has been arrested in connection with sexually abusing a 1-year-old girl, who suffered from severe bruising, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Steven K. Cugini, 28, of York, has been charged with rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child and aggravated assault — attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference, according to online court records.

He was arrested without incident on Tuesday and is awaiting preliminary arraignment, according to state police and online court records.

York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow released a statement Tuesday night, saying the department became aware that one of its officers was arrested in Dauphin County. The individual has been suspended as the investigation continues.

Cugini is listed in the York City Police Department's directory.

Toddler was the victim of sexual violence: state police

State police allege the crime happened between April 11 and April 15 in Elizabethville borough in Dauphin County and Springettsbury Township in York County.

Troopers in Dauphin County responded to a report of a 13-month-old girl who had suffered severe bruising, a news release states.

The child was taken to Hershey Medical Center where her injuries were reviewed by medical professionals, the Dauphin County Child Abuse Team and state police, the release states.

State police say the toddler suffered broken bones and severe bruising. She was the victim of sexual violence, the release states.

During the investigation, members of the Lykens Criminal Investigation Unit identified Cugini as the suspect.

The Dauphin County District Attorney's Office approved the filing of criminal charges on Tuesday, the release states.

York City Police commissioner gives statement about officer's arrest

In the statement, Muldrow said the officer's immediate suspension is per department protocol, and the city will look to take appropriate action.

"As everyone knows, I will always be the first to fight and advocate for our people; but they also know (1) how I feel about kids, and (2) that I hold my Officers to the highest of standards (when it comes to representing this Department and engaging with the community)... And if these allegations are founded, trust and believe I'll be the first to take swift and definitive action against them," he said.

Check back later as this is a developing story.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Pennsylvania State Police charge York man -- a police officer -- with rape of a child