By Matt Breslow
Staff Writer
November 15, 2006
NORWALK - City police charged a fellow officer with inappropriately touching a female driver during a traffic stop July 5.
Officer Ray DeCamillo, 35, of 51 Summer St., New Canaan, was charged with second-degree unlawful restraint and fourth-degree sexual assault, which are misdemeanors. DeCamillo, who has been with the department less than two years, turned himself in late Monday after police obtained a warrant for his arrest.
The woman was stopped sometime after midnight while driving in the area of Silvermine and New Canaan avenues, Police Chief Harry Rilling said yesterday at a news conference. He declined to discuss the details of the incident, saying he would let the case unfold in court.
The woman, a Norwalk resident described as a "young female motorist" in a police news release, reported the incident the day it occurred, Rilling said.
DeCamillo was immediately placed on paid administrative leave and faces an internal review to determine the department's next step, Rilling said.
DeCamillo's attorney could not be reached yesterday afternoon.
Rilling said it was a difficult time for him and referred to trouble his officers have gotten into in the past but said the department has dealt with those who "strayed."
"Never let it be said that we didn't step up to the plate and do what we need to do," he said.
The incident is embarassing to the police department and city, Rilling said. However, he said the allegations against DeCamillo should not taint the rest of the department.
"This is one individual," he said.
Calling the department "tremendous," Rilling said officers work hard every day and risk their lives to ensure the city is safe.
Sgt. Marc Lepore, Norwalk police union president, said the union does not comment on ongoing criminal matters.
DeCamillo was released on a promise to appear Nov. 22 at state Superior Court in Norwalk.
- Anyone with concerns or information about DeCamillo is asked to call the police department at 854-3000.
Copyright © 2006, Southern Connecticut Newspapers, Inc.