Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced the indictment of Alexander Cosgriff, 29, of Mastic Beach, accused of Robbery in the First Degree, Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, Attempted Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree for his alleged sexual assault of a taxi driver in Central Islip.
“The victim in this case was allegedly attacked, robbed and sexually assaulted for simply doing her job,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Drivers should not have to work in fear while trying to earn a living. It is unjust and we want to make sure that the bad actors know they will be brought to justice.”
According to the investigation, on September 19, 2023, the female victim, a taxi driver, picked up Cosgriff, a fare, in Central Islip. The victim told the defendant the fare would be eight dollars. Cosgriff, who was seated in the back of the vehicle, got angry and began arguing with the victim, ultimately displaying a belt to her in a threatening manner. Cosgriff then pushed the victim’s arm, which was resting on the center console, and proceeded to take $500 from her glove box. As the victim called 911, Cosgriff tried to put his hand down the back of the victim’s pants. The defendant then placed his hand between the victim’s legs and forcibly sexually assaulted her.
Cosgriff then fled the car while the victim was on the phone with the police. Suffolk County Police officers arrived soon thereafter and located Cosgriff a short distance away.
The victim was subsequently examined at a local hospital and treated for pain and abrasions that resulted from Cosgriff’s violent attack.
Cosgriff is charged with Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony, Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D violent felony, Attempted Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class E felony, and Forcible Touching, a Class A misdemeanor.
On September 29, 2023, at his arraignment on the indictment, Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Karen M. Wilutis, ordered Cosgriff to be held on $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, or $1.5 million partially secured bond. Cosgriff is being represented by Scott Zerner, Esq. His next court date is November 2, 2023.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney John Sciandra of the Major Crime Bureau with investigative assistance from Detective Michael Dormer and the Suffolk County Police Department Third Precinct.
Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.