Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – An Oswego County man has been exonerated on charges that he raped woman after the defense says its investigation discovered elements challenging his accuser’s credibility.
37-year-old Arthur Groff has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and also soliciting a prostitute, but charges that could have landed him in prison for multiple decades no longer stand.
Groff, of Hastings, was arrested in February on charges including criminal sex act and rape. According to the victim in the case, Groff answered an advertisement in the Syracuse New Times and upon arriving at the woman’s home, pretended he was a police officer and raped her.
His defense attorney, Ralph Cognetti, says that when Groff visited the woman, she demanded more money and also drugs. When Groff could not produce either, she claimed rape.
The defense’s investigator conducted surveillance at the woman’s house, however. Cognetti says the investigator witnessed several men who visited the house to pay for sex. She also appeared to buy drugs on camera and retained her advertisement in the New Times.
Cognetti said the investigation’s discoveries derailed the victim’s credibility.
Groff did admit that he tried to pay the woman to keep her from accusing him of rape – which resulted in the conspiracy plea.
He was sentenced to time served on the conspiracy charge.
Man accused of impersonating cop, raping woman
Feb. 3, 2012
Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – A Hastings man is facing multiple charges, accused of pretending to be a cop and raping a woman.
Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputies say Arthur Groff, 37, of Hogsback Road, answered an ad in the Syracuse New Times for "adult services" and met with the woman who placed the ad.
Deputies say that when Groff arrived at the location in Syracuse, he made the victim remove her clothing and then accused her of exposing herself to an undercover detective.
He allegedly pulled out a fake badge, handcuffed and raped the victim.
Deputies tracked him down hiding out at a home at Roxbury Mobile Home Estates in Hastings.
Groff was charged with Criminal Impersonation in the 1st degree, Rape in the 1st degree, Criminal Sexual Act in the 1st degree, Sexual abuse in the 1st degree and Unlawful Imprisonment.
He is being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center, and is scheduled to be arraigned Saturday.
