Grand Jury Indictment Handed Down Against Man Accused of Abducting Patchogue Teen

News 12 Long Island
By News 12 Staff
1/09/25

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.”

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