Peter Ciollo

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Staten Island police officer accused of attempted rape of a 16-year-old told police "she came on to me. She told me she was 17," according to prosecutors, citing a statement that he purportedly made to investigators.

The defense attorney for Peter Ciollo, 29, said his client is not guilty. "Peter denies the allegations, maintains his innocence, looks forward to his day in court ... His wife supports him," said lawyer Richard J. Barrett.

Assistant District Attorney Victoria Levin said Ciollo plied two 16-year-olds with alcohol, and engaged in multiple sexual acts with one of them.

Ciollo's wife cried during the hearing at Stapleton Criminal Court.

Ciollo was using a crutch during the hearing -- the result of a line of duty knee injury from a while back, his lawyer said.

According to a law enforcement source, Ciollo's wife walked in on him and the underage female in a compromising position on the Fourth of July.

The alleged attack reportedly occurred on Staten Island, but police did not say where, or provide further details.

The NYPD says Ciollo is charged with attempted rape, unlawfully dealing with a child -- an incident apparently involving alcohol; endangering the welfare of a child, and sexual abuse.