A Long Island police officer accused of touching a young boy on two separate occasions has been charged with child abuse and related crimes.
Suffolk County Officer Sean Mahony was arrested on Dec. 9, according to a four-count indictment announced Monday. The 45-year-old, who has been with the department for 22 years, has been suspended without pay.
Mahony pleaded not guilty Monday to two counts of child sexual abuse and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, court records show.
He “steadfastly denies these terrible allegations,” which his attorney, Anthony La Pinta, calls “as bizarre as it is unimaginable,” Patch Long Island reported.
The Port Jefferson resident was released without bail at his arraignment. He is expected back in court on February 25.
Suffolk County Judge Karen Wilutis issued a temporary protective order.
According to La Pinta, the boy’s mother reported the alleged incident to authorities, allegations he described as “simply outrageous.”
“They destroyed his career and his name,” La Pinta told News12 Long Island. “We will be investigating and plan to actively respond to these hurtful and devastating comments.”
Mahony was one of four officers to receive the 2009 Silver Shield Award from the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association for “their outstanding acts of personal courage, professionalism and determination” when they responded to an armed gunman in Bellmore in August of that year.
The Silver Shield, the highest award presented by the Suffolk County PBA, is awarded to those who perform “extreme acts of heroism, courage and exceptional service.”
La Pinta did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday afternoon.
