DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)–A York City Police officer has been suspended and is facing charges after being accused of raping and seriously injuring a toddler, according to State Police.

Steven Cugini, 28, of York, was arrested and charged in Dauphin County Tuesday after being accused of sexually and physically abusing the 1-year-old child, according to a news release from State Police at Lykens.

Online court documents show that Cugini faces multiple felony charges that include rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, and aggravated assault. He is locked up in Dauphin County Prison on $200,000 bail.

York City Police confirmed that Cugini is a member of their department and that he was suspended immediately after the alleged crimes that happened when he was off duty.

“It has come to our attention, a member of this department was arrested for an incident of alleged misconduct and criminal behavior, occurring in Dauphin County. Per our protocol the individual has been immediately suspended as the investigation continues and the City looks to take the 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.”

York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow

The alleged crimes, State Police say, happened from April 11 to April 15 in Elizabethville Borough and in Springettsbury Township, York County. According to Troopers, they got a report of severe bruising to the child after they were dropped off at daycare.

The child was transported to Hershey Medical Center for treatment where it was discovered they had broken bones and was a victim of sexual violence, according to State Police.

The victim’s mother told State Police the child suffered the injuries from a hard fall during bath time. State Police say the mother “went on to provide implausible explanations for several other injuries to the victim’s body” including that bruising was caused by the family dog.

State Police say Cugini was identified and interviewed as a potential suspect. During his interview, State Police say Cugini initially denied giving care to the child, but went on to say he changed “a few diapers” and gave the victim a bath, at which point there was an accident in the bathroom.

Troopers say text messages later showed Cugini acknowledging his responsibility for the victim’s bruising.

According to State Police, the victim’s mother also disclosed that Cugini had locked himself in the bathroom with the child and that she could hear crying and loud noises coming from the room.

A medical review found the victim’s injuries could not have come from the family dog or a bathroom fall.

State Police say Cugini acknowledged the victim’s injuries occurred while he was caring for the child alone. Cugini was transported to the Dauphin County booking center after being arrested on charges of rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, and aggravated assault.

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State Police say their investigation into Cugini is ongoing. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 1.

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