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A 14-year-old girl, missing for weeks, was found on a yacht in a shocking child trafficking case that has rocked Long Island, New York.
Key Takeaways
- Nine individuals indicted in a 75-count case involving kidnapping, rape, and child trafficking of a 14-year-old girl.
- The victim, Emmarae Gervasi, was reportedly given crack cocaine daily and abused at multiple locations.
- The girl’s father rescued her from a boat in Islip after receiving an anonymous tip.
- Defense attorneys argue the girl was not held against her will, challenging the prosecution’s narrative.
- A total of 12 people have been charged, including a staffer at a state mental health facility.
Shocking Details Emerge in Long Island Child Sex Trafficking Case
In a case that has sent shockwaves through Long Island, New York, nine individuals have been indicted in connection with the alleged kidnapping, rape, and sex trafficking of a 14-year-old girl. The victim, Emmarae Gervasi, was found on a yacht docked at a marina after being missing for several weeks. This disturbing case highlights the ongoing threat of child exploitation and the complex challenges faced by law enforcement in combating such heinous crimes.
The indictment, issued by a grand jury in Suffolk County, includes a staggering 75 counts against seven men and two women. The charges range from trafficking and rape to kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child. Alton Harrell, identified as the main perpetrator, faces the most serious charges, including first-degree kidnapping and rape.
Deshaun McClean, 42, charged with having criminal sexual contact with 14-year-old East Patchogue girl who had been missing for 25 days…
An employee of a state-run children’s mental health facility in Suffolk County has been charged with having criminal sexual contact with a…
— Catch_LISK (@Catch_LISK) February 4, 2025
A Trail of Abuse and Exploitation
According to prosecutors, the abuse occurred at multiple locations, including an abandoned house, a mobile home, and a boat. Perhaps most shockingly, it was revealed that Emmarae Gervasi was reportedly given crack cocaine daily during her disappearance, further highlighting the depths of exploitation she endured.
“This defendant set the entire chain of events that followed in motion by victimizing someone he knew as a child.” – Assistant Suffolk County District Attorney Dana Castaldo
The case took a dramatic turn when the girl’s father, acting on an anonymous tip, rescued her from a boat in Islip. Francis Buckheit, the boat owner, now faces charges of rape and kidnapping, though he maintains his innocence. This rescue came after surveillance footage had shown Emmarae at a Bohemia motel before she disappeared again, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
Defense Attorneys Challenge Prosecution’s Narrative
As the case unfolds, defense attorneys are mounting a vigorous challenge to the prosecution’s narrative. They argue that Emmarae was not held against her will and was present voluntarily. This stance raises questions about the nature of consent and coercion in cases involving minors, especially those with a history of drug abuse.
“There’s nothing to indicate that she was against her will” – Oscar Crisafio
The defense’s claims highlight the complexities of such cases, where victims may not always perceive themselves as such due to manipulation, drug dependency, or other factors. It’s a stark reminder of the psychological impact of trafficking and abuse on young victims.
Broader Implications and Additional Arrests
The case has expanded beyond the initial nine indictments, with a total of 12 people now charged in connection with Emmarae’s disappearance and exploitation. Among the additional defendants is a staffer at a state mental health facility, charged with groping the girl during her inpatient treatment. This revelation raises serious questions about the safety and security of vulnerable individuals in care facilities.
As the legal proceedings advance, the community grapples with the shocking nature of these allegations. The case serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing threat of child exploitation and the need for vigilance in protecting society’s most vulnerable members. It also underscores the importance of addressing underlying issues such as drug addiction and mental health, which can make young people particularly susceptible to exploitation.