Last month, two NYPD cops — Kenneth Moreno and Franklin Mata — were found not guilty of raping a woman who they were called to help. Despite the fact that they made three unauthorized return trips to the woman’s apartment, placed a fake 911 call to buy themselves more time inside her residence, admitted on tape to using a condom when having sex with the victim, AND testified about climbing into bed with the semi-conscious woman while she wore nothing but a bra, the pair were found guilty only of “official misconduct.” Yes, you read that correctly.

While Moreno and Mata were promptly fired from the NYPD, more justice must be served. This outrageous conduct was a clear betrayal of their duty to protect a member of the public and leaves NYC women to wonder whether a police officer called in a moment of need will be a protector or a predator.

Sentencing for their “official misconduct” is this coming Tuesday, June 28th. Connect the Dots, a coalition of NYC advocates and organizations working to prevent violence against women and sexual assault, is spearheading a rally that day to demand maximum sentencing and to “connect the dots” between the sentencing and the larger issue of violence against women.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Tuesday June 28, 2011 at 9 AM

WHERE: Foley Square in Manhattan

ADD’L: Wear white in solidarity!

Even if you aren’t in NYC or can’t make the rally, please add your name to the petition urging Judge Gregory Carro to hand down the maximum sentence.

Categories: Action

Tags: Mata, Moreno, New York City, New York City Police Department, Police officer, Rape, Sexual assault