A police officer accused of raping a little girl tried to blame a dog for her injuries, PA officials say

A Pennsylvania police officer accused of raping a 13-month-old girl tried to blame her injuries on the family dog, investigators told news outlets.

Steven Kyle Cugini, a 28-year-old officer with the York City Police Department, was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police on April 16, the department said in a news release.

The investigation began after officers received a report of a toddler with “severe bruising,” police said. The baby was taken to a local hospital and officials said they learned the injuries went far beyond bruising.

“The investigation revealed that the victim suffered broken bones… and was a victim of sexual violence,” the press release said, noting that it was Cugini.

When questioned by officers, Cugini denied molesting the girl, according to court documents obtained by WHP

Instead, it is alleged that her injuries were caused by the family dog, falls and diaper rash, the station reported.

The girl’s mother initially offered the same “unbelievable explanations” but later told investigators that Cugini locked herself in a bathroom with the baby and she heard “crying and loud noises” coming from inside, WHTM reported.

State police found text messages from Cugini indicating he caused the bruising, the station reported. And he admitted to investigators that he caused the girl’s injuries, police said.

In a statement, York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow said he was aware of the allegations against one of his officers and had suspended Cugini.

“As everyone knows, I will always be the first to fight and advocate for our people,” he said. “And if these allegations are substantiated, trust and believe that I will be the first to take swift and final action against them.”

Cugini was jailed on a charge of rape of a child under 13 and his bond is set at $200,000, jail records show.

York City is approximately 100 miles west of Philadelphia.

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