Patchogue Dad Of Teen Girl Missing 25 Days In 2024 Sues NY State, Suffolk County In Federal Court: Reports

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — A father from Patchogue is suing New York State and Suffolk County in federal court, alleging officials were negligent in protecting his 14-year-old daughter when she was allegedly assaulted by state workers while in protective custody after her 25-day disappearance in 2024, Newsday reported.

More than $10 million in damages are being sought by Frank Gervasi, 50, of Patchogue, for physical pain and emotional trauma suffered by himself and his daughter, the outlet reported, citing a complaint filed Friday in New York’s Eastern District Court in Central Islip.

Gervasi alleges the abuse took place after his daughter was remanded by a Suffolk Family Court judge to Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center and later placed at the Brentwood Residential Center for Girls, according to the outlet.

Gervasi declined to comment, and his attorney, Christopher Ross of Patchogue, could not be immediately reached.

Suffolk County spokesman Michael Martino declined comment.

In a statement to Patch, the state's Office of Children and Family Services said that in the agency, “the safety and well-being of every young person in the juvenile justice system is our highest priority."

It cannot comment on pending litigation.

The teen went missing in December 2024, sparking a massive hunt for her that was highly publicized on social media, before she was found on a boat in early January.

Multiple people have been reportedly arrested in connection with her disappearance, facing charges including sexual abuse and trafficking.

For more in Newsday, click here.

This story will be updated. Check back later.

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