Authorities have arrested a man in connection with a teen who went missing for almost an entire month.
Videos by Wide Open Country
14-Year-Old Emmarae Gervasi vanished from her home on December 9, 2024. Emmarae's father, Frank, admits that she left of her own free will with a man she met online. However, her family feared the worst when she entered a car without a jacket or shoes outside her home.
Frank Gervasi pleaded for help from anyone who may know anything on social media. He eventually received a tip from a lady who believed his daughter was on a boat in Islip. Gervasi tracked down the vessel and found his daughter inside. At the time, she was the only person on the boat.
While this is ultimately a happy outcome, it leaves many questions unanswered.
According to the New York Post, Suffolk County officers have arrested a 65-year-old man, but details surrounding his alleged involvement are currently unclear. When questioned by the news outlet, the police explained, "There was an arrest made in the case, and at this time, additional inquiries will be directed to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office."
Frank has been active on Facebook and believes he has identified the suspect as Francis Buckheit, 65, from Islip, where he found the boat.
The New York Post reports that authorities have not officially named the suspect. However, court records suggest a man with matching details was brought in on Saturday, with crime dates recorded on December 13, 2024. The charges are for rape, kidnapping, and acting in a manner injurious to a child.
The Father Of The Teen Says She Is A Victim Of Sex Trafficking
This news comes shortly after the father's chilling admission that he believes his daughter is a victim of sex trafficking. Frank addressed the situation on Instagram, explaining that his daughter was "held against her will." He says "She was not allowed to leave the boat unless she was escorted by somebody. And she was being forced to do things that no 14-year-old girl should have to do."
Frank continues, "I do believe this is sex trafficking, and it's being looked into." According to the New York Post, Frank declined an interview on Monday to attend to his daughter but explained she "was doing fine under the circumstances."
