Man accused of kidnapping Patchogue teen expected back in court today
The alleged incident sparked a three-week search for the teen victim who had been missing for 25 days.
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The man accused of kidnapping a Patchogue 14-year-old girl is expected to be back in court later this morning.
Francis Buckheit, 64, is accused of holding the girl against her will in his boat that was docked at the White Cap Marina in Islip.
According to court documents obtained by News 12, prosecutors accused Buckheit of planning to sail the teen to the Carolinas.
The teen was missing for 25 days between Dec. 9, 2024, and Jan. 3 before she was found on Buckheit's 56-foot boat. Buckheit is accused of kidnapping her between Dec. 13 and when she was found.
Prosecutors alleged the girl was subjected to continuous abuse during that time.
In documents, Buckheit's defense lawyers said, "There is absolutely no evidence that she was held against her will."
Buckheit previously pleaded not guilty to initial charges of kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child and driving while intoxicated.
