[StBernard] St. Bernard Deputy fired after rape charge

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard Deputy fired after rape charge

Jay Vise Reporting
Officials say a St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's deputy has been arrested and
booked on a charge of rape. 

37-year-old Deputy Thomas Spicuzza is charged with raping a Chalmette woman
while off-duty.

The alleged victim told investigators that Spicuzza gave her a ride home
from a New Orleans Mardi Gras event.  

According to the woman's account, she was on medication for depression and
anxiety and lost consciousness on the drive back to St. Bernard with the
deputy.  Officials say that she said she next remembered waking up in bed
with the officer at his residence having sex.

The woman told police she had consumed alcohol before the drive back to St.
Bernard. 

The deputy told investigators that the sex act was consensual. 

According to a department spokesman, Spicuzza was placed on administrative
leave after the woman called the Sheriff's Office March 12, nearly a week
after the incident, and reported she had been raped. The sheriff said
Spicuzza was terminated from the Sheriff's office after his arrest.