Francis Buckheit: 65 Year Old Arrested in Case of Missing 14 Year old - Emma Gervasi

Francis Buckheit: 65 Year Old Arrested in Case of Missing 14 Year old – Emma Gervasi

Francis Buckheit: 65-Year-Old Arrested in Case of Missing 14-Year-Old – Emma Gervasi

The Suffolk County community has been rocked by the latest developments in the case of 14-year-old Emmarae Gervasi, who went missing nearly a month ago. Authorities have arrested Francis Buckheit, 65, of Islip, in connection with the troubling disappearance that has gripped the region. The arrest follows the discovery of Emma alone on a docked boat in Islip, raising more questions about her ordeal.

The Arrest and Charges

Francis Buckheit’s arrest comes as Suffolk County police intensify their investigation into Emma’s disappearance. Though police have not officially identified Buckheit, online court records confirm a man of the same name and age was arraigned on Saturday, facing charges of rape, kidnapping, and acting in a manner injurious to a child. The listed date of the crime corresponds to December 13, shortly after Emma disappeared. Buckheit has been ordered held without bail and is scheduled for a court appearance later this week.

Timeline of Emma’s Disappearance

Emma Gervasi vanished on December 9 after leaving her Patchogue home without shoes or a jacket. Surveillance footage later showed her knocking on doors at a Bohemia motel the following day before disappearing again. Her father, Frank Gervasi, led an exhaustive search for his daughter, maintaining that she was a victim of sex trafficking.

The search took a turn last week when a phone tip led Frank Gervasi to a docked boat near the White Cap Fish Market in Islip, where he found Emma being held against her will. According to Frank, Emma was not allowed to leave the boat without an escort, leading him to believe she was forced into sex trafficking during her disappearance.

A Father’s Account

Frank Gervasi has been vocal about the harrowing experience, sharing details of the case on social media. He claims Emma initially left with a man she met online but was later abandoned and picked up by Buckheit, whom he identified in a Facebook post on Monday. “Emma was being held against her will. She was not allowed to leave the boat unless she was escorted by somebody,” he said. “So I do believe this is sex trafficking, and it’s being looked into.”

The discovery of Emma and the subsequent arrest have brought some relief to the family, though Frank remains focused on Emma’s recovery and well-being.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

The case has drawn significant attention and concern from the community. Residents have expressed shock and anger over the circumstances of Emma’s disappearance, as well as solidarity with the Gervasi family. Authorities have remained tight-lipped, referring inquiries to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office as the investigation continues.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online interactions and the urgent need for vigilance. Suffolk County law enforcement has urged parents to monitor their children’s online activity and educate them about potential risks.

What’s Next?

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of what happened during Emma’s time away from home. Legal proceedings against Francis Buckheit will move forward, and further details may emerge as prosecutors build their case.

Emma is now back with her family and reportedly doing well under the circumstances. The community’s thoughts and prayers remain with her as she begins the process of healing from this traumatic experience. In the meantime, law enforcement continues to work tirelessly to ensure justice is served.

 

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