Cop Cleared Of Rape Gets 1 Year In Jail For Official Misconduct

Kenneth Moreno, left, and Franklin Mata (AP)

Kenneth Moreno, the former NYPD officer acquitted of raping an East Village woman in her apartment in 2008 has been sentenced to one year in jail for official misconduct. Both Moreno and Franklin Mata were convicted of misdemeanor official misconduct in May and faced up to two years in jail. Their sentencing had been delayed because defense attorneys argued that footage from a HBO documentary about the Manhattan DA's sex crimes unit should have been turned over to the defense.

We're awaiting word on Mata's sentence, and we'll have more on the ex-cops' reaction to the verdict soon. WCBS reporter Tony Aiello says the unidentified accuser was present in the courtroom this morning. Here's her statement when the jury reached their verdict back in May. "How amazing are the people of New York City," she wrote, "and all over the country, to speak up in my honor. Thank you so much. I am overwhelmed by your support. I want you to know that if I could I would shake your hand, I would hug you, and I hear you. For me, public opinion will be the ultimate verdict.

Update (9/9/11): Gothamist has published a long-form feature about the Rape Cop case, written by one of the jurors. It takes you behind the scenes during their deliberations, and explains how they came to their controversial verdict. Buy it today as a PDF or on Kindle.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By John Del Signore in News on August 8, 2011 11:14 AM

Comments [rss]

Qwerkie

Do you think he'll actually serve the full sentence?

felixthecat

I hope someone in the cell is kind enough to cradle him and sing to him as he dud

Mordicai

Acquitted isn't the same thing as cleared, right?

Heidi Vanderlee

if you want to join us in demanding that the NYPD take rape seriously, we're having a rally today at 5pm: http://www.facebook.com/event....

m015094

Will Heidi Jones be there?

Guest

Rapists usually get what they're due in jail. Cop rapists, I think they will be kept apart from the general prison population. If they make it out alive it would be a miracle.

Eric Gordon

Where would they do time? Rikers? Or an upstate prison?

jaycjay

A one year sentence for a misdemeanor, so not likely upstate. Maybe protective custody in Rikers' North Infirmary.

But, there's still the appeal and he's still facing drug charges for the heroin found in his locker. It could play out in the end as anywhere from no time locked up (if the appeal is upheld) to a coupld of years in prison (if convicted and hit hard on the drug charge).

Guest

If it was Rikers, he should do the full year in the BING.

TakeThePledge

They were convicted of official misconduct, they almost certainly will not be at rikers.

Guest

Too bad this scum didn't get the two full years. After Moreno gets out of jail we should all run his rapist ass out of NYC....I know where he lives.

Daniel Mekelburg

The lowest of the low..

jibbly

These two will soon be spooned in their bras while being serenaded by a large, sweaty man whisper-singing "Livin' On A Prayer" into their ears.