Upgraded Charges For Suffolk Man Accused Of Sexually Abusing Two Boys: DA

GORDON HEIGHTS, NY — A Medford man arrested earlier this month now faces upgraded charges after authorities said he sexually abused two boys at Gordon Heights Children’s Park, Suffolk prosecutors say.

Two boys, ages 8 and 11, were playing in the park on Oct. 7 when Rashawn Brinkley, 27, went up to them and "began touching them inappropriately," prosecutors said. A month later on Nov. 2, one of the boys saw Brinkley in the park again and recognized him as the person who touched him, prosecutors said.

The police were contacted and Brinkley was arrested.

Brinkley was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, two counts of second-degree sexual abuse and menacing, as well as two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

District Attorney Ray Tierney said that allowing families and children "to enjoy our parks and community spaces free from threats, abuse and violence is of paramount importance” to his office.

“This defendant preyed upon children at a place where children should be able to safely gather and play together," he said. "We will prosecute child abuse to the fullest extent of the law.”

Brinkley, who is being held on $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $2.5 million partially-secured bond, is due back in court on Dec. 19.

His is being represented by an attorney from the Legal Aid Society.

Patch has reached out to the organization for comment.

If convicted on the top counts, faces up to 14 years of incarceration.

Suffolk detectives are asking anyone who may have information about Brinkley or believes that they may be a victim of his to call the Special Victims Section at 631-852-6531