Off-Duty NYPD Officer Arrested on Rape Charges
An off-duty police officer was arrested in Manhattan this weekend on rape charges for allegedly choking and sexually assaulting his wife, according to sources and court documents.
Arrest and Charges
Samuel Sierra, a 35-year-old cop who oversees Auxiliary officers, was cuffed in Harlem on Friday for allegedly raping his wife inside a Park Avenue apartment within the confines of the 23rd Precinct.
Court Documents Indict Alleged Crime
The victim told police that Sierra allegedly held her arms above her head inside of the home at around 5 a.m. on December 27 and pinned her down as he raped her. Court documents also show that later that same afternoon, he allegedly punched her in the face several times, then began choking her with his hands, causing her to suffer difficulty breathing and pain to her neck.
Additional Allegations
According to the criminal complaint, Sierra also allegedly scratched the victim repeatedly, leaving marks across her legs, chest, and arms.
Arrest and Arraignment
Sierra was arrested that evening at around 7:20 p.m. and hit with a slew of charges, including first-degree rape, second-degree strangulation, and third-degree assault.
Cash Bail and Order of Protection
At his arraignment hearing Saturday in Manhattan Criminal Court, Sierra was ordered held on $50,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond. An order of protection was also issued, barring him from contacting his wife.
NYPD Background
According to the 50-a.org website, Sierra spent several years working out of the 77th Precinct in Brooklyn since 2018 before being transferred to his Auxiliary post in late 2023. The disciplinary page also shows that Sierra “abused his authority” while making a traffic stop in February 2023. Sierra was made to undergo retraining.
Consequences
Following the rape allegations, Sierra has been suspended without pay, according to the NYPD.
FAQs
Q: Who is Samuel Sierra?
A: Samuel Sierra is a 35-year-old off-duty NYPD officer who oversees Auxiliary officers.
Q: What are the charges against him?
A: Sierra is charged with first-degree rape, second-degree strangulation, and third-degree assault.
Q: What is the status of his employment?
A: Sierra has been suspended without pay, according to the NYPD.
Q: What is the next step in the legal process?
A: The case is ongoing, and Sierra’s next court appearance has not been announced.
