9th Arrest In Connection With Case Of Missing Long Island Girl: Reports

LONG ISLAND, NY — A ninth person — a mental health worker — has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of a Long Island teenager, according to reports.

DeShaun McClean, 42, has been accused of having sexual contact with the teen between Jan. 9 and Jan. 23 at a children's mental health facility that she was staying at in Suffolk after she was found, News 12 reported.

McLean has been accused of touching her in private areas on multiple occasions and also watching her engage in sexual activity, Newsday reported, citing charging documents.

McClean was arrested after a review of surveillance video of the incident, according to News 12.

He pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual contact with a minor, and child endangerment, all misdemeanors, at his arraignment, online court records show.

His bail has been set at $5,000, $25,000 insured bond, or $50,000 partially secured surety bond and is due back in court on Friday, the records show.

Patch has reached out to his defense attorney, Derrick Magwood of Mineola, for comment.

A 20-year-old from Medford, Kevin McDonald, was reportedly arrested in connection with the case last week.

Two women were also reportedly charged on Jan. 24 with child trafficking in the case — Elizabeth Hunter, 34, of Islip and Jacquelyn Comiskey, 52, of Bellport for using the teen for money and drugs from men.

Another five have been charged in connection with the case.

Daniel Burke, 63, of Bohemia, and Robert Eccleston, 61, of Islip, were reportedly arrested with investigators alleging they kidnapped the teen and held her at their homes.

Three other men were arrested in connection with the case in recent weeks, the first being Francis Buckheit, of East Islip, his defense attorney Danielle Marie Papa of Hauppauge confirmed.

The second, Bunice Knight, 47, of Copiague, alleging he had sex with the girl inside his house hours before she was found, according to Newsday.

Last week, Alton Harrell was also charged with second-degree rape and kidnapping, as well as child endangerment in connection with the case.

Editor's note: The teen's name is being withheld to protect her identity as a minor.