DNA Links Man to Three-Year-Old Rape Case: Police

DNA from a crime scene three years ago has led Montgomery County Police to charge a Silver Spring man for committing sex offenses while impersonating a police officer.

Nicholas Morales-Macedo, 24, of the 9400 block of Thornhill Road in Silver Spring is in jail on charges that he sexually assaulted a woman in January 2012.

The incident was reported at the Days Inn at 8040 13th Street in Silver Spring. The 44-year-old victim told police she and Morales-Macedo spoke online and agreed to meet at the motel. When Morales-Macedo entered the room he reportedly wore a silver badge on a chain around his neck, and told the woman he was a police officer.

Authorities say Morales-Macedo handcuffed the victim and told her that if she performed sexual acts on him that she would not be arrested. Morales-Macedo then allegedly sexually assaulted the victim and left after obtaining her identification and noting the details on a piece of paper.

DNA obtained from the scene was entered into a national database and eventually identified Morales-Macedo as the suspect in the case.

Morales-Macedo was arrested in Rockville on July 17. He was charged with two counts of second-degree sex offense and ordered held without bond.

The police impersonation allegations are still under investigation and charges are possible.

»Photo of Nicholas Morales-Macedo, courtesy of Montgomery County Police