A local golf club employee — once hailed as an FDNY hero for rescuing three people, trapped inside a burning building, without protective gear — is maintaining his innocence against charges he sexually assaulted a female co-worker.
Nicholas Aufiero, a staff member of Rye Golf Club, was arrested on July 2 after a Rye police investigation determined that the 72-year-old had made unsolicited sexual contact with one of his co-workers, police said.
The incident occurred on the morning of June 29, around 10 a.m., in the golf club’s Halfway House, when Aufiero was accused of touching the woman’s private parts, police said, according to court filings. Aufiero then grabbed the victim’s hand and used it sexually, police said.
According to police Lt. Michael Anfuso, the assault occurred on the victim’s first day at the golf club. She later reported the incident to police, he said.
Anfuso would not disclose the name and age of the alleged victim other than to say she was “of age” and “significantly younger” than Aufiero.
Aufiero, who lives in Rye Brook, was charged with Forcible Touching, a misdemeanor under state law.
He pleaded not guilty at his July 2 arraignment, was released on $500 cash bail, and was back in court on Tuesday.
Jeffrey Scaggs, Aufiero’s attorney, said his client maintains his innocence.
“Nick fully denies these charges … categorically denies all allegations this girl is making against him,” Scaggs told The Record. “We intend on fighting this case.”
His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 13.
Rye Golf Club, located on Boston Post Road, is a 126-acre, member-only facility that is owned by the city.
Aufiero was fired from the club on July 1, City Manager Greg Usry told The Record. He was earning $17 an hour as a seasonal employee, according to city finance records. The city hired him in 2017.
Formerly of the Bronx, Aufiero was a longtime lieutenant with the FDNY. Along with two other firefighters, he saved three people trapped inside a burning loft in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in 1997, entering the building without any firefighting equipment, including water or protective clothing, the Daily News reported.
Aufiero retired from the department in 2002. He left the Bronx shortly thereafter and moved to Rye Brook. He collects a $94,000-a-year pension, according to NYC retirement filings.
“He’s a retired FDNY, he was down there at 9/11,” Scaggs said. “In many ways he’s a hero.”
Aufiero’s pension does not appear to be in jeopardy. Only public employees who are convicted of a felony face the possibility of pension forfeiture, according to state law.
Scaggs said his client’s pension wasn’t a concern.
Aufiero’s wife, Angela, is a real estate broker with Houlihan Lawrence in Rye.
