A Suffolk County man has been charged in connection with an incident at a local Target store involving a minor. Aqeel Ahmad, 53, was indicted for allegedly taking inappropriate photos of a 13-year-old girl, according to the Suffolk County Government. He faces charges including Unlawful Surveillance in the Second Degree, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The incident occurred on October 19, when the victim’s father observed Ahmad crouched near his daughter with his phone positioned close to the hemline of her dress. The father confronted Ahmad, who then left the scene. Later that day, the father saw Ahmad in the store’s parking lot and took photos of his vehicle before contacting authorities. Police later apprehended Ahmad and found that a photo of the victim had reportedly been deleted from his phone.
District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney commented on the indictment, stating that it reflects the office’s commitment to protecting children. Tierney described the charges against Ahmad as serious and said that such acts will be addressed using all appropriate legal measures.
Ahmad appeared in court yesterday and was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis. He was released on supervised release without bail, in accordance with New York State law, which does not allow bail for his charge. Ahmad is scheduled to return to court on January 30, 2026, and is represented by defense attorney David Kirsch. If convicted on the top count, he could face a prison sentence of 1⅓ to 4 years.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant District Attorney Johanna Poremba of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau. Detective Sean Clark of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Squad led the investigation that resulted in Ahmad’s arrest.
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