NYPD Officer Joshua Acosta Charged with Rape and Child Sex Crimes

Joshua Acosta, a 39-year-old New York City police officer, was arrested on charges including rape and sexual acts against a child. The arrest occurred on July 11, 2026, while he was off duty in Brooklyn’s 61st Precinct. A criminal complaint alleges that Acosta committed multiple sex acts against a girl under the ages of 13 and 17 from September 2021 until June 2026. Acosta's defense attorneys stated that the allegations are serious but false, expressing their intent to clear his name. Previous records indicate that Acosta admitted to misconduct on the job, including engaging in a high-speed chase and failing to activate his body camera. He faced multiple civilian complaints, with some substantiated by the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case, but they declined to comment further. The NYPD has not responded to requests for comment.