Suffolk County Police Officer Charged With Civil Rights Violation For Forcing Female Arrestee To Engage In Sexual Act

A complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Central Islip, New York, charging Suffolk County Police Department Officer Christopher McCoy with depriving an arrestee of the right to bodily integrity by forcing her to perform a sexual act in the precinct. McCoy was arrested this morning, and his initial appearance is scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Anne Y. Shields.

This charge was announced by Bridget M. Rohde, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI).

“Law enforcement officials are duty-bound to uphold the Constitution and protect all of our citizens, and certainly not to abuse them,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rohde. “No dereliction of this duty will be tolerated.” Ms. Rohde thanked the Suffolk County Police Department for its assistance during the investigation.

“While in custody, this woman didn’t deserve to be allegedly abused and degraded by a sworn public servant,” stated Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “Police officers are held to a high standard, as they should be, and they certainly don’t have the authority to disrespect any human being. This type of conduct threatens the reputation of the vast majority of law enforcement officials who serve each day with honor and integrity.”

According to the complaint, on March 16, 2017, while on duty, McCoy arrested Jane Doe[1], as she was the subject of several outstanding warrants in connection with unresolved vehicle and traffic offenses. Jane Doe was transported to the First Precinct in Wyandanch. During arrest processing, while McCoy and Jane Doe were alone in the precinct’s juvenile room, McCoy forced Jane Doe to perform oral sex. Upon her release, Jane Doe promptly reported the incident.

The charge in the complaint is are merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Lara Treinis Gatz is in charge of the prosecution

The Defendant:

CHRISTOPHER MCCOY

Age: 38

Sayville, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-MJ- (AYS)