Police officer accused of molesting stepdaughters

A Hoboken police officer accused of molesting his stepdaughters over a five-year period was in court Monday for a status hearing. Officer Michael Miranda, 34, is charged with molesting his two stepdaughters

News 12 Staff

Feb 23, 2009, 6:30 PM

Updated 5,865 days ago

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A Hoboken police officer accused of molesting his stepdaughters over a five-year period was in court Monday for a status hearing.
Officer Michael Miranda, 34, is charged with molesting his two stepdaughters beginning in 2000, when the youngest girl was 9 years old. However, Miranda's defense attorney, Jeffrey Garrigan, says the oldest daughter has recanted her statement.
"One of the victims, who is now an adult - she's 18 years of age - gave a statement to my office indicating that she had made up the allegations because she was angry with her stepfather," Garrigan says.
Despite the change in the girl's story, the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office is planning to move forward with the case.
At least 60 police officers were in court Monday to support Miranda.
"We're confident that our fellow officer and union member will be exonerated of all charges and he's absolutely not guilty and we support him 100 percent," says Vince Lombardi, of the Hoboken Police Union.
If convicted, Miranda could face five to 10 years behind bars. He is currently suspended with pay. His next status hearing in the case has been set for March 17.