PEEKSKILL, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — An ex-Westchester County cop who sexually assaulted and stalked a woman while on duty and in uniform pled guilty to multiple charges on Thursday, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah said.
The former Peekskill Police Officer, 35-year-old Michael Agovino, first met the victim in 2019 while investigating a theft for which she was a suspect, officials said.
Under the premise of an investigation, Agovino went into the victim’s home, made her remove all of her clothing and then sexually abused her, authorities said. Agovino returned to the victim’s home shortly after and threatened to arrest the woman unless she took off her clothes or performed a sex act on him, and again sexually abused her, officials said.
Agovino came back to the victim’s home three more times over the course of 5 months, sexually abusing for a third time in one of the incidents. During the last illegal visit in January 2020, the victim secretly recorded the interaction and gave it to the District Attorney’s office.
Agovino was arrested in February 2020 after a police investigation. He ultimately resigned from the department in 2021.
“Michael Agovino disgracefully violated his oath of office and his responsibility to serve and protect the public as a police officer by repeatedly abusing his authority, and sexually abusing this woman,” DA Rocah said. “The victim in this case demonstrated great courage in her attempt to hold her abuser accountable during this emotionally distressing ordeal and we hope that today’s plea helps in the healing process. I commend the Peekskill Police Department for their cooperation in this investigation and prosecution.”
Agovino pled guilty to several charges including two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree stalking and three counts of second-degree burglary in exchange for seven years in prison with 15 years post-release supervision. He will also have to register as a sex offender. Agovino is scheduled for sentencing on June 23.
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