An off-duty New York City police officer has been taken into custody on charges of allegedly raping and strangling an individual known to him, sources disclosed to The Post on Saturday. Samuel Sierra, 35, was apprehended at approximately 7:20 p.m. Friday evening in East Harlem and has been formally charged with first-degree rape, second-degree strangulation, and third-degree assault as confirmed by law enforcement authorities. The incident has been described as “domestic in nature.”
The accused officer reportedly targeted a family member or intimate partner during the assault, a source revealed, declining to provide further specifics about the disturbing occurrence. Sierra is scheduled to appear for arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court on Saturday. He has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.
Public records indicate that Sierra became a member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 2016, with an annual earning of $167,584 in the previous year. Throughout his tenure, Sierra primarily served in the 77th Precinct located in Brooklyn. However, in December 2023, he was reassigned to the Auxiliary Police Section where he supervises auxiliary officers, according to information from the 50-a.org website which monitors complaints and disciplinary actions involving NYPD officers.
Reports confirm that Sierra has been suspended without pay in connection to the criminal charges. Earlier in February 2023, he faced allegations of misconduct for reportedly assaulting a woman in her twenties during a routine traffic stop and abusing his position of authority. Following the incident, Sierra was mandated to undergo retraining, although subsequent investigations by the Civilian Complaint Review Board concluded that his actions fell within the department’s protocols.
The NYPD has not released an official statement regarding the allegations against Sierra, pending the ongoing legal proceedings. Authorities are urging anyone with further information related to the case to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The arrest of an officer on such serious charges has raised concerns within the law enforcement community and among the public. The NYPD is expected to conduct a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the incident and take appropriate actions to address any potential misconduct.
As the case unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim and upholding the integrity of the law enforcement profession. The NYPD has a responsibility to hold its members to the highest standards of conduct and accountability, particularly when allegations of this nature arise.
The repercussions of such a case can have far-reaching implications on the trust and credibility of the police force. It is essential for law enforcement agencies to be transparent and responsive in addressing instances of misconduct within their ranks to maintain public confidence in their ability to serve and protect the community effectively.
The legal process will continue to unfold as the accused officer navigates the judicial system. The outcome of the case will have significant implications not only for the individual involved but also for the broader law enforcement community in New York City.
