CENTEREACH, NY – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney revealed that a man named Arthur Oneal, aged 36 from Centereach, has been indicted on charges of Rape and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. These charges stem from allegations that Oneal drugged and raped a woman while recording the incident.
District Attorney Tierney emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators of sexual abuse accountable not only as a legal obligation but also as a moral one. He stated that his office is committed to ensuring that those who commit such heinous acts are held responsible. This is not only for the sake of justice but also to protect and empower survivors, as well as to send a clear message that these crimes will not be tolerated in Suffolk County.
“Accountability for perpetrators of sexual abuse is not just a legal obligation, but also a moral one,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will do everything in its power to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable, not just for the sake of justice, but to protect and empower survivors and to send a clear message that these crimes will not be tolerated in Suffolk County.”
According to the investigation, the incident took place on December 9, 2023, when Oneal allegedly brought the victim to his home in Centereach after drugging her with a sleep-aid during a drink in Huntington. It is alleged that Oneal then sexually assaulted the victim until she lost consciousness. When the victim regained consciousness, she found herself in bed next to Oneal and noticed blood on the sheets. She subsequently sought medical attention at a local hospital, where a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) examination confirmed recent sexual abuse. Testing conducted by the Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner on a urine sample provided by the victim revealed the presence of Zolpidem, commonly known as Ambien, something the victim said she did not ingest voluntarily.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement recovered videos and images from Oneal’s cell phone that allegedly depict the victim being sexually assaulted by the defendant while she was unconscious. Detectives also uncovered bloody sheets and multiple pairs of women’s underwear at Oneal’s residence.
On February 23, 2024, Oneal was arraigned on the indictment before County Court Judge Karen M. Wilutis. He has been charged with one count of Rape in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony, and one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D violent felony. Judge Wilutis ordered Oneal to be held on $500,000 cash, $1,000,000 bond, or $5,000,000 partially secured bond pending the resolution of the case. Oneal is scheduled to appear in court again on March 11, 2024, and he is being represented by Michael Elbert, Esq.
Aileen E. Iorio of the Major Crime Bureau is responsible for prosecuting this case, with Detective Anthony Parenti of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Squad leading the investigation.
If you or someone you know believes they have been victimized by Arthur Oneal, authorities urge you to contact the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. It is important to come forward and report any incidents to ensure justice is served and to provide support for survivors.
