Former Old Saybrook police officer facing sexual assault charges arrested for DUI.

Retired Old Saybrook police officer Jay Rankin was arrested in Old Saybrook on Tuesday for allegedly driving under the influence, according to the local police department’s website. He is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Middletown on September 9th.

Eight days later, Rankin will return to Superior Court in Danielson on sexual assault charges stemming from his February arrest. The former Old Saybrook fire department volunteer and chief was arrested last winter by the state Environmental Conservation Police on charges arising out of an alleged sexual assault at a boat launch in Thompson in 2023.

Rankin, according to the New Haven Register, “was charged with third-degree sexual assault, fourth-degree sexual assault, public indecency, second-degree breach of peace and prohibited activities in limited access areas.” His case is under seal, suggesting he has applied for admission to one of the state’s many pretrial diversion programs that would result in a dismissal of all charges after meeting conditions set by a judge.

Published August 29, 2024.