A New York City police officer, Joshua Acosta, has been arrested and charged with rape and engaging in sexual acts with a child. The charges stem from alleged incidents involving a girl who was under 13 and under 17 years old between September 2021 and June 2026, according to an 11-count criminal complaint. Acosta, 39, was taken into custody on Wednesday evening off-duty at the 61st Precinct in Brooklyn.
Documents from the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, which is prosecuting Acosta, reveal that he had previously admitted to violating department rules in separate incidents. These included engaging in a dangerous high-speed chase and failing to activate his body camera.
In one instance on January 4, 2019, Acosta initiated a pursuit of a suspect, reaching speeds of 56 mph. An internal review stated he did not sufficiently consider factors like the nature of the offense, time of day, location, population density, and police necessity during the chase. He also allegedly failed to turn on his body camera during the pursuit and subsequent traffic stop. This case concluded on July 30, 2020, with Acosta forfeiting 15 vacation days.
Further records from the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) show two other complaints filed against Acosta. One of these, concerning an incident on September 26, 2019, was substantiated. The CCRB found that Acosta engaged in misconduct involving a verbal or physical threat of force, entry into a premises, and a frisk. For this, he received a Schedule B command discipline, a more serious disciplinary measure.
Another case reviewed by the CCRB involved an incident on June 19, 2019, where Acosta entered a residence after an armed robbery suspect had been handcuffed and searched the premises. Acosta later told investigators he had not received orders to conduct the search and did so to look for possible weapons. In August 2021, an inspector from the Police Commissioner's Office informed the CCRB that Acosta would receive training on lawful property searches, noting that while the search was unauthorized, Acosta acted in good faith without supervisory guidance.
A final case, listed as pending, alleged that Acosta failed to conduct a proper field investigation after responding to a family dispute on August 29, 2020.
Acosta's defense attorneys, Jason Goldman and David Gelfand, have stated that the allegations are "undoubtedly serious" but also "demonstrably false." They expressed confidence in clearing his name once all facts are presented. Regarding the prior misconduct allegations, attorney David Gelfand stated they are irrelevant to the current case and that Acosta's record over 14 years with the NYPD does not warrant special note. He added that law enforcement officers face intense scrutiny and that they look forward to defending Acosta on the merits of the current charges.