Former N.Y. police officer pleads guilty to stalking and sexually abusing woman while on duty

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. (TCD) -- A 35-year-old former police officer recently pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a woman while he was on duty in 2019 and 2020.

According to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office, in July 2019, Michael Agovino illegally entered the victim's home in Peekskill, New York, while on duty as a police officer. He reportedly acted as though she was a suspect in an investigation he was conducting.

The District Attorney's Office says, "During the first visit, Agovino demanded the victim remove all of her clothing under the pretense of conducting a body search, and then sexually abused her."

During a second visit, Agovino reportedly went back to the victim's home and threatened arrest unless she took off all her clothes or performed a sex act on him. The District Attorney's Office says he sexually abused her again.

The sexual abuse reportedly continued over the next five months. On three separate occasions, the District Attorney's Office says Agovino illegally entered or attempted to enter the victim’s residence for sexual gratification while on duty.

In January 2020, the District Attorney's Office says the victim audio recorded their interaction without Agovino's knowledge. She reportedly sent the recording to the District Attorney's Office, and an investigation was launched.

According to the District Attorney's Office, Agovino was arrested on February 15, 2020. He reportedly resigned from the Peekskill Police Department shortly after in 2021.

According to the District Attorney's Office, on March 17, Agovino pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree burglary as a sexually motivated felony, two counts of second-degree burglary, two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree attempted burglary as a sexually motivated felony, second-degree attempted burglary, first-degree stalking as a sexually motivated felony, and first-degree falsifying business records. Agovino also reportedly pleaded guilty to four counts of official misconduct, three counts of third-degree coercion, and two counts of forcible touching.

As part of the plea deal, the court reportedly ordered a sentence of seven years in state prison and 15 years of supervision after his release. Agovino will also have to register as a sex offender, the District Attorney's Office says.

In a statement, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah said, "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."

Rocah added, "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."

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