Suffolk County Child Sex Trafficking Case: 9 Indicted
Nine people have been indicted in a child sex trafficking case involving a 14-year-old girl found on a boat docked at a Long Island marina following a nearly month-long disappearance.
The Case
The seven men and two women pleaded not guilty during their arraignments in Suffolk County court in Riverhead on Thursday, according to Timothy Finnerty, a court spokesperson. They face a range of charges, including child sex trafficking, kidnapping, rape, and endangering the welfare of the child, online court records show.
The Victim’s Story
Prosecutors told the judge the defendants took advantage of a vulnerable 14-year-old, raping her multiple times and marketing her for sex. The teen, who is not being named because she is a minor, disappeared for about 25 days. She was seen on surveillance video leaving her house on Long Island and getting into a car on December 9. She was eventually found by her father on a yacht docked at a marina in Islip on January 3.
The Defendants
Among the defendants was Daniel Burke, a Long Island man who prosecutors say was among the men who had sex with the teen. The 63-year-old faces kidnapping, rape, and other charges. In laying out their timeline of events, prosecutors said the victim met Burke in front of a deli, where he allegedly gave her crack cocaine in exchange for sex. The same thing happened with 61-year-old Robert Eccleston, prosecutors said, and 47-year-old Bunice Knight was accused of trading drugs for sex with the teen as well.
Defense Attorneys’ Statements
"Fortunately our justice system is based on facts and evidence," Oscar Crisafio, Burke’s lawyer, said in an emailed statement. "And the evidence in this case, in the words of the actual complainant, suggests that she was never held against her will."
Ralph Knowles, another Long Island resident, was charged with rape and other counts, according to online court records. "Ralph looks forward to receiving discovery in a timely manner and his day in court where the truth will prevail," his lawyer, Chase Brown, said in an emailed statement.
The Investigation
Francis Buckheit, the owner of the boat on which the girl was found, was charged with kidnapping and rape. He allegedly told police he loved the girl, but his attorney claimed his client believed she was 19. "The complainant in this case was free to come and go at any point and time while she was staying on the boat. And she did come and go at free will while she was on that boat," said Buckheit’s attorney, Danielle Papa.
Additional Charges
It wasn’t just men who allegedly victimized the girl, however. Police charged 34-year-old Elizabeth Hunter, who is a mother herself, with child pornography for taking photos of the girl to promote prostitution. Jacquelyn Comiskey, 52, faces child sex trafficking charges as well.
DA’s Statement
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney did not address the open case directly, but spoke about it in general terms. "If we see someone who is a predator, abuser, or drug dealer, they have a way of finding vulnerable people and exploiting them," he said.
Next Steps
Three of the accused were remanded to the county jail Thursday, while the six others had their previously set bail increased by the judge. Three additional defendants have also been charged in connection with the case, but are not included in the initial indictment. Each of the suspects facing charges has court dates scheduled for March. Both of the girl’s parents were in court on Thursday, but neither spoke with reporters.
Conclusion
The case is a disturbing reminder of the devastating consequences of child sex trafficking and exploitation. Law enforcement and prosecutors are working to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the victim receives the support and services she needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened to the victim?
The 14-year-old girl was found on a boat docked at a Long Island marina after a nearly month-long disappearance. - Who are the defendants?
Seven men and two women have been charged in connection with the case. - What are the charges?
The defendants face a range of charges, including child sex trafficking, kidnapping, rape, and endangering the welfare of a child. - What is the status of the case?
The case is ongoing, with court dates scheduled for March.
