Suffolk DA: Centereach Man Indicted For Rape
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Arthur Oneal, 36, of Centereach, was indicted for Rape in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, for allegedly drugging and then raping a woman while he recorded the incident.
“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, on December 9, 2023, Oneal allegedly brought the victim to his home in Centereach after drugging her with a sleep-aid while they were having drinks in Huntington. The defendant then allegedly sexually assaulted the victim until she lost consciousness. The victim later woke up in a bed next to Oneal and saw blood on the sheets. The victim went to a local hospital where a SANE examination was performed, which concluded that the victim had suffered recent sexual abuse. The Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner tested a sample of the victim’s urine, which revealed that Zolpidiem, commonly known as Ambien, was present. The victim did not voluntarily ingest Ambien at any time prior to the urinalysis.
During law enforcement’s investigation, detectives recovered videos and images from Oneal’s cell phone which allegedly depict the victim being sexually assaulted by the defendant while she was unconscious. Detectives also allegedly recovered bloody sheets and multiple pairs of women’s underwear from Oneal’s home.
On February 23, 2024, Oneal was arraigned on the indictment before County Court Judge, the Honorable Karen M. Wilutis, charging him 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 held on $500,000 cash, $1,000,000 bond, or $5,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Oneal is due back in court on March 11, 2024, and he is being represented by Michael Elbert, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Aileen E. Iorio of the Major Crime Bureau with the investigation conducted by Detective Anthony Parenti of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Squad.
If you or someone you know believe you have been victimized by Arthur Oneal, please contact the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.