Newark customs officer admits assault in airport 'rape table' case

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer has admitted his role in using a "rape table" to haze two colleagues at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Tito Catota pleaded guilty on Monday to forcibly assaulting, impeding, intimidating and interfering with the victims while they were engaged in their duties.

The 38-year-old admitted helping grab the two men and holding them down on what were known as "rape tables" in the Passenger Enforcement Rover Team office at the airport in 2016 and 2017.

The victims claimed the officers simulated sex acts on them.

Catota faces up to eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he's sentenced.

Two other officers, 40-year-old Parmenio Perez and 32-year-old Michael Papagni, have been indicted and maintain their innocence.