Police say an East Hampton carpenter is facing child sex abuse charges after a 13-year-old reported he was abused multiple times in November 2022. Authorities identified the suspect as 52-year-old Carlos Fidel Gutama, who is charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. Detectives say the case surfaced after the teenager disclosed the alleged abuse to a Child Protective Services worker.
According to News 12 New York, Gutama works as a carpenter for Guerrero’s Carpentry on the East Hampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike in Sag Harbor and was arrested by the East Hampton Town Police Department’s detective division. Officials have not released additional details about the alleged encounters.
Arrest and arraignment
Patch reports Gutama was being held at East Hampton Town Police headquarters and was scheduled for arraignment in East Hampton Town Justice Court. Detectives are also looking beyond the current case and are investigating whether there are additional victims. Anyone with information has been asked to contact the East Hampton Town Police at 631-537-7575.
Charges and legal stakes
Under New York law, sexual abuse in the second degree (Penal Law §130.60) and endangering the welfare of a child (Penal Law §260.10) are classified as Class A misdemeanors, according to Justia. Class A misdemeanors carry a maximum definite jail term that generally does not exceed 364 days under Penal Law §70.15, per FindLaw.
Police seek other possible victims
Detectives told Greater Long Island they are reviewing Gutama's work history and contacts as part of the investigation. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim is urged to call the East Hampton Town Police Department at 631-537-7575.
