PALMER PARK, Md. — A Maryland cop has been stripped of his badge and charged after he allegedly raped an illegal immigrant woman during a traffic stop last Thursday. The department’s investigation came to light when the case was leaked to local media.
The suspended Prince George’s County Police officer is now in custody and facing multiple charges including first degree rape, second degree rape and second degree assault.
Police Officer First Class Ryan Macklin was taken into custody this evening.
Police say Macklin pulled over the driver early Thursday morning on University Boulevard in Langley Park. During that stop, Macklin is accused of forcing the victim to perform a sexual act while they were both seated in her car in a nearby parking lot. Macklin was on-duty, in uniform, and driving a marked police cruiser at the time.
Investigators released this brief surveillance video where Macklin can be seen activating his emergency equipment on his cruiser in order to initiate the traffic stop in question.
Investigators say there is no evidence as to why he targeted this victim regardless of her immigration status.
“The charges against this officer are highly troubling. Officers take an oath to protect others, not to abuse their authority in order to victimize someone. Those who live and work in Prince George’s County deserve the very best from the men and women of this department,” said Chief Hank Stawinski. “I am ashamed to come to my community this evening to discuss a matter that was discussed in the media earlier this evening. If I find out who leaked this information, they will be dealt with in the harshest possible manner.”
“There were concerns raised that perhaps this event had something to do with the victim’s personal history or her immigration status. I don’t believe that to be the case,” Stawinski said. “I have no information as a result of the investigation, which has proceeded for the last 72 hours, that is the case.”
Macklin has been with the department for six years and is assigned to the Bureau of Patrol. He’s charged with a total of five charges – first degree rape, second degree rape, perverted practice, second degree assault and fourth degree sex offense.
