Suffolk County prosecutors announced the indictment of a postal worker accused of sexually assaulting two teenage girls in separate incidents, allegations that remain pending in court.
SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — A Moriches man employed as a United States Postal Service worker has been indicted on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from allegations that he sexually assaulted two teenage girls in separate incidents, Suffolk County prosecutors announced Thursday.
According to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, Jenry Buestan Gutama, 23, was arraigned on an indictment charging him with first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse, third-degree rape, sexual misconduct, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Key Points
• Suffolk County prosecutors announced the indictment of a Moriches postal worker.
• Authorities allege two separate incidents involving teenage girls occurred years apart.
• The defendant has pleaded not guilty through counsel and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Prosecutors allege the first incident occurred on May 11 while Buestan Gutama was working as a postal carrier in East Hampton. According to the indictment, he allegedly offered a ride to a 15-year-old girl he knew and then drove to a cul-de-sac, where authorities claim he prevented her from leaving the vehicle and sexually assaulted her.
The teenager later reported the incident, according to investigators. East Hampton Town Police arrested Buestan Gutama on May 15 following an investigation.
Second allegation surfaced after arrest
Following media coverage of the arrest, a now 19-year-old woman contacted police and reported a separate alleged incident that she said occurred when she was 15 years old, prosecutors said.
According to investigators, the woman alleged Buestan Gutama sexually assaulted her after parking a vehicle near her residence. Authorities said those allegations were subsequently presented to a Suffolk County grand jury.
Bail set at arraignment
On June 10, Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis arraigned Buestan Gutama on the indictment. Court records show he is charged with one count of first-degree rape, one count of first-degree sexual abuse, one count of third-degree rape, two counts of sexual misconduct, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
The court ordered Buestan Gutama held on $150,000 cash bail, a $450,000 bond, or a $1.5 million partially secured bond. He is scheduled to return to court on July 17.
If convicted of the top charge, prosecutors said he could face up to 25 years in prison.
Buestan Gutama is represented by attorney Chase Brown.
Authorities emphasized that the indictment is an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Tags: Suffolk County, East Hampton, Moriches, Suffolk County District Attorney, Postal Worker, Grand Jury Indictment, Long Island Crime News, New York Courts