Former Northport VA Employee Accused Of Raping Co-Worker: Feds

NORTHPORT, NY — A former maintenance worker at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center was arrested Wednesday after he was accused of raping a woman who also worked at the medical center, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York said.

Tate Cruse, 38, of Mastic, was arrested by FBI special agents and the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, authorities said. He was charged with aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse and false statements.

Cruse is accused of raping the woman on Oct. 19, 2019, federal authorities said. On Oct. 22, 2019, Cruse lied about the accusations, officials said.

Cruse was released on a $250,000 unsecured bond and placed on house detention. His defense attorney is Evan Sugar of Long Island Federal Defenders Office.