CLEVELAND — Bond was continued Friday for a member of the Cleveland Division of Police accused of raping a woman inside his home last week.
Patrol Officer Matthew Piter, 26, appeared in Cleveland Municipal Court just hours after he was taken into custody. Court records show he was released after posting 10% of a $20,000 bond. His bond was continued during another court appearance Friday.
According to the arresting complaint, Piter was at his home in Cleveland on Oct. 24 when he pushed the victim (a 29-year-old woman) up against the wall with both hands around her neck before sexually assaulting her. This was all allegedly done "under verbal and physical protest" from the victim.
Piter was ordered to avoid contact with the victim. He also cannot possess any weapons until his case is resolved.
The city of Cleveland confirmed Piter's arrest and announced he has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of criminal proceedings. Piter has been with the police division for three years.
3News has reached out to Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association Jeff Follmer (who posted Piter's bond, according to records) for further comment on the matter.