A Patchogue man has been convicted on multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of two young girls, one his daughter and the other his half-sister. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the verdict following a jury trial that concluded with the defendant found guilty yesterday, as reported by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office.
The abuse began in September 2013 with the man’s daughter, who was only five years old at the time. It proceeded for several years, and he warned the child she would ruin their family if she revealed his actions, according to statements from the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office. The half-sister, then 15, was assaulted during a visit to his house in August 2021. After the initial victim reported the abuse to the police, the younger victim came forward as the investigation unfolded.
In the trial, the jury heard evidence presented by Assistant District Attorneys Melissa Grier and Janine Santorelli of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau. The defendant, whose identity has been withheld to protect the victims’ privacy, was convicted of first-degree rape, criminal sexual act in the first degree, second-degree rape, and several other related felonies and misdemeanors. The defendant, represented by John Halverson, Esq., faces up to 89 years in prison and is due for sentencing on January 7, 2026.
"This defendant betrayed the trust of two children in the most heinous way possible, exploiting his position as a family member to commit unspeakable acts of violence," said District Attorney Tierney in a statement obtained by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office. The successful conviction was the result of combined efforts by the District Attorney’s office, Suffolk County Police Department Special Victims Section Detective Kacy McLaughlin, and Crime Victim Advocate Sorene Ryan, who provided support to the victims throughout the trial process.
