Police: On-duty public safety officer molested at least 2 women

<p>A public safety officer in Suffolk County is accused of forcibly touching at least two women while on duty.</p>

News 12 Staff

May 17, 2018, 9:37 AM

Updated 2,161 days ago

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A public safety officer in Suffolk County is accused of forcibly touching at least two women while on duty.
Dennis Fajardo, 28, was arraigned on sexual misconduct and forcible touching charges in Central Islip Thursday.
Police say Fajardo used his uniform and position as a public safety officer in Patchogue Village to prey on at least two women leaving bars after 4 a.m. on Main Street.
“In one instance, he offered…to find their vehicle. In the next instance, he offered to drive them home,” said Suffolk Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart.
In both cases, police say the women got into the patrol car and were groped or molested by Fajardo.  One incident allegedly happened to a 35-year-old woman on April 16, the other to a 24-year-old woman on May 13.
Fajardo started on the job last July and works at night. Police say there could be more victims out there. Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri says Fajardo has been suspended and could soon be fired.
Fajardo has no prior criminal record, is married and lives in Brentwood.
In court, Fajardo's court-appointed lawyer said neither woman identified Fajardo by name as their attacker. Afterward, the attorney refused to speak to the media.
Fajardo was allowed to leave court without bail.
Suffolk police are asking anyone with information about the case or other potential victims to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.


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