“Additional Arrests Anticipated in Long Island Teen Sex-Trafficking Controversy”
There are more individuals expected to be taken into custody in connection with the alleged sex trafficking of Long Island teenager Emmarae Gervasi, as per sources familiar with the matter. Suffolk County police are currently investigating several individuals in relation to the case, with the goal of gathering substantial evidence to secure convictions.
Emmarae Gervasi, a 14-year-old girl, disappeared from her residence in Patchogue on December 9. Surveillance footage captured her leaving her home barefoot and getting into a vehicle. Her ankle bracelet, which she had been wearing, was discovered cut and discarded not far from the scene.
Frank Gervasi, the father of the missing teenager, located his daughter on a 56-foot yacht anchored in Islip, approximately 13 miles away from their home, on January 3. Acting on a tip about her whereabouts, he went to rescue her.
A total of eight individuals have been arrested thus far in connection with the investigation. Among those taken into custody are the owner of the yacht, Francis Buckheit (64), and Alton Harrell (35), who face charges including rape, child endangerment, and kidnapping. Bunice Knight (47) is charged with second-degree rape, child endangerment, and multiple counts of selling a controlled substance. Daniel Burke (63) and Robert Eccleston (61) have been accused of kidnapping, rape, and child endangerment.
Jacquelyn Comiskey (52) and Elizabeth Hunter (34) were recently charged with sex trafficking and child endangerment. Furthermore, Kevin McDonald (20) is alleged to have raped the girl in a car the day following her disappearance. All the defendants in this case have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.
