SVU Sergeant Accused in Sexual Assault

Woman alleges off-duty officer forced her to perform oral sex

A man sworn to protect the public is behind bars facing sexual assault charges.

Michael Marren, 41, was relieved of his duties as Sergeant of the Bensalem Police Special Victims Unit after a coworker accused him of sexually assaulting her, officials said.

Marren, who also works part-time as an EMT at the Bensalem Rescue Squad, offered to give the woman a ride back to the squad house following a gathering at a local bar for a fallen friend on March 8.

When they arrived around 2:30 a.m., the 23-year-old EMT volunteer claims Marren began to "French kiss" her. She resisted and went to the restroom inside the squad house, officials said.

But when she went to leave, Marren pushed her back inside the bathroom and began assaulting her, a police affidavit says.

The woman told authorities Marren forced her to perform oral sex before he held her against the wall and continued the assault.

The woman says she tried to call for help on her cell phone, but that Marren grabbed it. She also allegedly reminded Marren that he was drunk and to think about his wife several times, but was "shushed" each time, the affidavit said.

After the assault was finished, Marren allegedly told the woman "I hope you are ok because I have a really good lawyer." She was later found crying in a utility closet by coworkers and taken to the hospital, officials said.

DNA evidence taken from the woman did match Marren, authorities said. In an interview with investigators, Marren claimed it was the woman who made advances on him.

Marren faces a dozen charges including Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Aggravated Indecent Assault and Sexual Assault. He's being held on $100,000 bail.

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