Orient Farm Owner, Businessman Steven Mezynieski Charged With Rape: Police

ORIENT, NY — Well-known Orient farm owner and businessman Steven Mezynieski has been charged with first-degree rape, police said.

New York State Police in Farmingdale Thursday announced the arrest of Mezynieski, 44, of Orient. Mezynieski was charged with first-degree rape, a felony, and first-degree criminal sex act, a felony, police said.

The charges are related to Mezynieski allegedly engaging in sexual relations with a female victim over the course of about three years, which started when the victim was under the age of consent, police said.

The investigation was conducted by members of the State Police Troop L Major Crimes Unit.

The State Police ask that any other possible victims contact them at 631-756-3300. All calls will remain confidential.

Mezynieski was arraigned before Judge Brian Hughes in Southold Town Justice Court and released on $25,000 bail, police said.

Mezynieski is the owner of Driftwood Farms in Orient. He also owns Steven Mezynieski Inc., an excavation services company in Southampton. He was before the Riverhead Town Board in 2013 over plans for a farm on Sound Avenue in Calverton.

Mezynieski's attorney, Ed Burke Jr., said he entered "strenuous not guilty pleas" on his client's behalf.

"I look forward to addressing this matter in the appropriate court and clearing my client's name," Burke said.

Mezynieksi is next slated to appear in Southold Town Justice Court on Aug. 26.