Bellport Man, Accused In Connection With Missing Girl Case, Rejects Plea Deal: Report

RIVERSIDE, NY — A Bellport man arrested in connection with the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl, who was missing 25 days, appears to be headed to trial after rejecting a plea deal to be sentenced 15 years to life, Newsday reported.

Alton Harrell was charged with second-degree rape and kidnapping, both felonies, as well as a misdemeanor charge of child endangerment in connection with the case back in January 2025.

He is facing 25 years to life based on the top charge of first-degree kidnapping, and Judge Karen Wilutis said she believes the DA's office is offering "significantly less," according to Newsday.

Harrell, 36, picked the teen up around 5 p.m. on Dec. 9, 2024, and investigators have said he took her to a house on Doane Avenue in Bellport where he had sex with her over the next day, Newsday reported, citing court records.

Harrell pleaded not guilty to the charges, online court records show.

His defense attorney, Jeremy Scileppi of Commack, told Newsday that he would continue to seek additional offers pending pre-trial hearings.

Scileppi could not be immediately reached for comment.

He previously told Patch that he does not believe Harrell was involved in kidnapping, and that prosecutors will not be able to prove it.

"My review of the paperwork that was provided to me, and Mr. Harrell indicates to me, this girl ran away from home, and was not held against her will by my client," he said.

He declined to reveal any details about Harrell.

"It's my understanding that [prosecutors] are in the process of presenting all matters relating to this investigation to a Grand Jury," he said. "My client is remaining incarcerated because [prosecutors] have certified that they've presented enough evidence to secure an indictment against him."

"I'm awaiting an advisement from the courts as to when or where an arraignment of my client might take place on an indictment," he added.

Harrell's bail was set at $100,000, $200,000 insured bond, or $1 million partially secured surety bond, and he is due back in court on Feb. 5, court records show.

He is due back in court on Nov. 17, online court records show.

Suffolk police previously told Patch that the teen was found in Islip "in good health," but did not release further details about the circumstances, instead only saying that the investigation is continuing.

Editor's note: The teen's name is being withheld to protect her identity as a minor.