An off-duty New York Police Department officer has been arrested and charged with raping a 15-year-old girl inside a Bronx apartment, authorities announced Friday. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Officer Michael Thomas, was taken into custody following a swift investigation by the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit.

According to police sources, the alleged incident occurred on the evening of November 12 at a residential building on East 180th Street in the Belmont section of the Bronx. The victim, whose identity is being protected due to her age, reportedly knew the officer prior to the encounter. Investigators say Thomas used his position of authority to gain access to the teen before the assault took place in a private bedroom.

“The allegations are deeply disturbing,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during a brief press conference outside One Police Plaza. “We hold our officers to the highest standards, and any betrayal of that trust will be met with the full force of the law.”

Thomas, a five-year veteran assigned to the 45th Precinct in the Bronx, was immediately suspended without pay pending the outcome of both the criminal case and an internal NYPD probe. He faces multiple felony counts, including first-degree rape, criminal sexual act, and endangering the welfare of a child. If convicted on the top charge, he could spend up to 25 years behind bars.

The breakthrough in the case came when the victim confided in a school counselor on November 13. The counselor, following mandatory reporting protocols, alerted the Administration for Children’s Services, which then looped in the NYPD. Detectives interviewed the girl at a child advocacy center, where she provided a detailed account of the incident.

Sources close to the investigation tell The Post that DNA evidence was collected from the scene and has been rushed to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for analysis. Surveillance footage from the apartment building’s lobby reportedly shows Thomas entering with the teen around 7:30 p.m. and leaving alone nearly two hours later.

Neighbors in the six-story walk-up expressed shock when approached by reporters. “He seemed like a regular guy,” said Maria Rodriguez, 58, who lives across the hall. “Always nodded hello in the elevator. You never know what goes on in people’s heads.”

The arrest has sent ripples through the NYPD’s rank and file. Union president Patrick Hendry released a statement saying the Police Benevolent Association “does not condone criminal behavior by any member” but reminded the public that Thomas remains innocent until proven guilty.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark vowed a thorough prosecution. “No one is above the law—not even those sworn to uphold it,” Clark declared. “We will seek justice for this young victim and ensure her voice is heard.”

The case has reignited debates about oversight within the nation’s largest police department. Advocacy group Communities United for Police Reform called for expanded background checks and psychological evaluations for all officers. “This isn’t just one bad apple,” said spokesperson Alicia Torres. “It’s a systemic failure that keeps putting children at risk.”

Thomas is being held on $250,000 bail at Rikers Island. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 20. Legal experts say the combination of the victim’s age, the officer’s status, and potential DNA evidence makes conviction likely—though defense attorneys are already signaling plans to challenge the teen’s credibility.

The NYPD has set up a tip line for anyone with additional information about Thomas or similar incidents. Calls can be made anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the 15-year-old survivor. Child psychologists stress that recovery from such trauma can take years, requiring extensive counseling and family support. “She’s incredibly brave for coming forward,” said Dr. Elena Martinez of Montefiore Medical Center. “Speaking out is the first step toward healing.”

Mayor Eric Adams, himself a former NYPD captain, addressed the scandal during an unrelated event in Queens. “This alleged conduct is reprehensible and has no place in our city,” Adams said. “We stand with the victim and her family.”

The Bronx apartment where the incident allegedly occurred has become a focal point for local media. Yellow police tape still blocks the third-floor hallway, and a small memorial of flowers and candles has appeared outside the building’s entrance.

For now, the NYPD is reviewing Thomas’s personnel file for any prior complaints. Internal Affairs Bureau detectives are interviewing fellow officers who worked alongside him at the 45th Precinct. Early reports indicate Thomas had received commendations for community outreach work with local youth programs—a detail that has left colleagues stunned.

The victim’s family has retained civil attorney Sandra Butler, who specializes in police misconduct cases. Butler hinted at a potential lawsuit against the city, claiming the NYPD failed in its duty to properly vet and supervise Thomas.

As New Yorkers grapple with yet another scandal involving one of their own, the case serves as a grim reminder that badges don’t guarantee character. The coming weeks will determine whether justice is served—or whether another young life becomes collateral damage in a system struggling to police itself.