Man Arrested After Sexually Abusing Child Younger Than 11 Years Old: Police

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A Riverhead man, 40, was arrested after sexually abusing a child less than 11 years old, police said.

According to Southampton Town police, on January 5, detectives began an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of a child during the summer of 2024.

An extensive investigation was conducted, which resulted in the arrest of Leon Felipe Higuita on Thursday, police said.

He was charged with first-degree criminal sexual act/ victim less than 11 years old, a felony; and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor, police said.

He was processed at Southampton Town police headquarters and held overnight for morning arraignment, police said.