Crime & Safety
Charges In Connection With Case Of Missing Long Island's Girl's Case: Police
UPDATE: The investigation is continuing, Suffolk police say.
YAPHANK, NY — An arrest has been made in connection with the case of the disappearance of a 14-year-old Patchogue girl, who was found last week after being missing, Suffolk police said Monday in a statement to Patch.
Defense attorney, Danielle Marie Papa of Hauppauge confirmed online court records showing that Francis Buckheit entered a not guilty plea to answer charges of rape, kidnapping, and child endangerment at First District Court in Central Islip on Monday and he is being held without bail.
Find out what's happening in Patchoguefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
She declined comment.
Buckheit is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, online court records show.
Find out what's happening in Patchoguefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The teen was found in Islip in good health, according to police.
Further details about the circumstances were not available.
In the statement to Patch, the police department directed additional inquiries to Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney's office.
Patch has reached out to Tierney's spokeswoman for comment.
The investigation is continuing, police said.
Editor's note: The teen's name is being withheld to protect her identity as a minor as this story develops.Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
