THE BRONX — A correction officer at Rikers Island has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a child, authorities said.
Jose Urena, 47, was taken into custody by three detectives Tuesday while he was working, and in uniform, at the jail, a law enforcement source said.
He faces a charge of rape, sexual conduct against a child less than 13, and endangering the welfare of a child, according to police. Urena was being arraigned Wednesday.
Police said the suspected sexual abuse took place “over a period of years.” A law enforcement source said the alleged victim is an underage relative.
Urena has been suspended without pay. If he’s convicted, Urena will be fired.
“These allegations are very serious,” DOC spokesman Peter Thorne said in a statement. “The vast majority of our officers carry out their duties with care and integrity and DOC is taking many steps to ensure all staff adhere to the highest professionalism.”
The officer has been with the department since June 2009, before the tenures of current city leaders Mayor de Blasio and DOC Commissioner Joseph Ponte.
