DA Sini Announces Arrest of Suffolk Correction Officer for Alleged Child Abuse, Illegal Possession of Firearms, Other Offenses
Southampton, NY - Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini and the Southampton Town Police Department announced the arrest of a Suffolk County correction officer for allegedly sexually abusing a child, illegal possession of weapons, and charges related to illegally possessing items stolen from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.
Robert Weis, 55, of Hampton Bays, is charged with Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree, a B violent felony; three counts of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, an E felony; Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, an E felony; and Official Misconduct, an A misdemeanor. Weis has been employed as a Suffolk County correction officer since 1995.
“This is an individual who routinely abused his position of power, in both his official capacity as a correction officer and as an adult who was an authority figure for children,” District Attorney Sini said. “He violated the trust placed in him by those close to him, both professionally and personally. At this time, we are investigating other possible instances of abuse by this defendant and believe there could be more victims.”
“There are still parts of this investigation that need to be examined, such as his motive in stockpiling a large amount of armament, but most concerning to us is the possibility of other victims,” Southampton Town Police Chief Steven Skrynecki said. “Because of his history, including other allegations of sexual abuse, and the fact that he had access to so many vulnerable people, it certainly gives rise to concern that this victim might not be his only victim.”
District Attorney Sini and Chief Skrynecki urged anyone who was victimized by this defendant or has information regarding the alleged abuse by this defendant to contact the Southampton Town Police Department’s Detective Division at 631-702-2230.
An investigation by the Southampton Town Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office began in March 2019, when the alleged victim reported to police that the defendant had sexually abused him from when he was seven years old to approximately 16 years old. The victim is currently an adult.
Weis is the adoptive parent of five males and has been a foster parent for approximately 15 years.
Weis was arrested in South Carolina in 2016 for allegedly sexually abusing a minor. Those charges are currently pending.
Pursuant to the investigation, the defendant was arrested by Southampton Town Police officers on April 4 and a search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence.
The search warrant resulted in the seizure of three handguns, which the defendant possessed illegally, as well as 32 rifles and more than 50,000 rounds of ammunition.
Police also recovered stolen property belonging to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, including bulletproof vests and EMT equipment. Following his arrest in 2016, Weis was placed on modified duty working as a quartermaster for the Sheriff’s Office and had access to the Office’s uniforms, gear and other official property.
The investigation is ongoing.
Weis was arraigned on the charges today in Southampton Town Justice Court. Bail was set at $1 million cash or $3 million bond.
If convicted of the top count, Weis faces a maximum sentence of up to 25 years in prison.
Weis is due back in court on April 9.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Laurie Moroff, of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and Kevin Ward, of the Public Integrity Bureau, with assistance from Assistant District Attorneys Christina Pinnola and Dana Castaldo, of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.