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        Grand jury indictment handed down against man accused of abducting Patchogue teen

        Francis Buckheit pleaded not guilty to the charges he is facing. His attorney, Danielle Papa, said, “he’s emotional, he’s upset, maintains his innocence.”

        News 12 Staff

        Jan 9, 2025, 10:13 PM

        Updated 8 hr ago

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        A grand jury indictment was handed down Thursday against a man accused of abducting a Patchogue teen and restraining her on a boat.
        Francis Buckheit, 64, was arrested on Jan. 3 and charged with kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child in connection to the 14-year-old girl who was missing for weeks. He was also charged with a DUI.
        The suspect allegedly had slurred speech and had a blood alcohol content of .12 when given a breathalyzer, according to court documents.
        Buckheit pleaded not guilty to the charges he is facing. His attorney, Danielle Papa, said, “he’s emotional, he’s upset, maintains his innocence.”
        Papa did confirm that Buckheit was staying on the boat that was docked outside of White Cap Fish Market, which was later impounded by police.
        Buckheit is being held and is due back in court on Jan. 16.
        The specific charges in the grand jury indictment are not available at this time.