The Yonkers Police Department released a statement today that a former Yonkers school system employee has been arrested for allegedly exposing his “intimate parts” to a local Yonkers woman.
Yonkers resident Rafael Pena, 57, was booked Wednesday on charges of public lewdness. Pena allegedly exposed himself to a 58-year-old woman on Feb. 28th. The alleged encounter took place at the Yonkers Police Athletic League on North Broadway, with only the woman present. Police state that the incident occurred in a rented office space and was not visible to others.
At the time of the alleged incident, Pena was working for Yonkers Public Schools as a program specialist. This role involves strategic planning for community service programs. He had been employed by the Yonkers school district since 2014.
A district representative stated that Yonkers Schools Superintendent Edwin Quezada learned of the alleged event the same day it happened. Quezada took swift action to remove Pena from his position. Pena is no longer an employee of Yonkers Public Schools.
Shortly after the alleged incident, the Yonkers Police Intelligence Unit were contacted by Yonkers Public Schools and started a criminal investigation. Pena was arrested one week later.
In a statement released by Yonkers Police Department, additional details of the alleged event were provided.
“Pena is being charged with one count of Public Lewdness, a Class B Misdemeanor in the New York State Penal Law. The case is being prosecuted by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.”
Of the incident, Yonkers Police Department reminded local residents that “booking charges are merely accusations and the defendant(s) are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”
