Emmarae Gervasi case: more arrests for sex trafficking and disappearance of the teenager in Long Island
Authorities are intensifying their investigation into the alleged sex trafficking of 14-year-old Emmarae Gervasi from Long Island, with eight arrests made and more anticipated. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance against such exploitation.
The investigation into the disappearance and alleged sex trafficking of 14-year-old Emmarae Gervasi from Patchogue, Long Island, is intensifying as authorities signal the possibility of additional arrests. Emmarae vanished on December 9, 2024, after reportedly entering an unfamiliar vehicle near her home. She was discovered nearly a month later, on January 3, 2025, aboard a yacht in Islip, leading to a comprehensive probe into a suspected sex trafficking network.
To date, eight individuals have been apprehended in connection with the case. Among them are the yacht's owner, 64-year-old Francis Buckheit, and 35-year-old Alton Harrell, both charged with rape, child endangerment, and kidnapping. Other suspects include Bunice Knight, Daniel Burke, Robert Eccleston, Jacquelyn Comiskey, Elizabeth Hunter, and Kevin McDonald, each facing various related charges. All defendants have entered pleas of not guilty. Law enforcement officials are actively gathering evidence to secure convictions and have indicated that more arrests are forthcoming.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/Emmarae-Gervasi-010725-2-da022eff930e441b9308ffcfa9ee4497.jpg "A poster from Sufflock County's Police Department, looking for the teenager. Photo: People.com.")
A poster from Sufflock County's Police Department, looking for the teenager. Photo: People.com.
Community Expresses Outrage for Emmarae
The local community has been deeply shaken by the revelations surrounding Emmarae's ordeal. Her father, Frank Gervasi, played a crucial role in her rescue, acting on an anonymous tip that led him to the boat where she was held.
He has voiced profound distress over the exploitation his daughter suffered, stating that she was "forced to do things that a 14-year-old girl shouldn’t have to do." This case has brought to light the pressing issue of sex trafficking in the region, prompting calls for increased awareness and preventive measures.
More details about the arrested ones
Jacqueline “Jackie” Comiskey, who is one of seven individuals charged in connection with the teen’s 25-day disappearance, had been a fugitive last summer for an outstanding Family Court warrant related to unpaid child support. She was featured in the Sheriff’s Office’s “Fugitive Friday” social media posts last June. Comiskey of East Patchogue was arrested Sept. 26 for the family court warrant. It’s unclear how long she was held in custody. The case is in the hands of a Family Court judge, the sheriff’s office said.
The old woman was arraigned earlier this week in Suffolk County District Court alongside Elizabeth Hunter, 34, on charges of sex trafficking and endangering the welfare of a child. Hunter faces an additional charge of promoting an obscene sex performance by a child under 17. Both women pleaded not guilty and are being held on $750,000 cash bail.
Long Island Authorities Urge Public Vigilance
As the investigation progresses, authorities are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could be linked to trafficking operations. They emphasize the critical role of community involvement in combating such heinous crimes and safeguarding vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
The case of Emmarae Gervasi serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can exist within communities and the essential need for collective action to prevent such tragedies.