A shocking twist unfolds in the kidnapping case of a 14-year-old girl rescued by her father after weeks of searching
East Patchogue: So, there’s this wild story about a 14-year-old girl named Emmarae Gervasi who went missing for 26 days. Her dad, Frank, ended up rescuing her from a boat. Crazy, right?
It all started when Emmarae disappeared after getting into a car outside her home. Frank didn’t just sit around; he took matters into his own hands and searched everywhere for her.
After weeks of frantic searching, he got a tip-off and found her on a boat near a seafood restaurant. Can you imagine the relief? He got to her before the police even arrived!
Now, a 65-year-old man named Francis Buckheit has been arrested in connection with her disappearance. He’s facing some serious charges, including kidnapping and rape, but he’s pleading not guilty.
Frank believes his daughter was sex-trafficked and forced into some really awful situations. He’s been pretty vocal about what he thinks happened to her during those 26 days.
Buckheit’s lawyer is saying there’s more to the story than what’s been shared so far. She’s hinting that things might not be as straightforward as they seem.
Frank has shared that Emmarae was wearing an ankle monitor when she went missing, which adds another layer to this whole situation. Surveillance footage even showed her knocking on doors at a motel the day after she disappeared.
When Frank finally found her, he described it as a “gift from God.” Can you imagine the emotions he must have felt? His wife, Melissa, felt a huge weight lift off her shoulders when she heard their daughter’s voice again.
Emmarae was taken to the hospital to recover after everything she went through. The police are still investigating, and they’ve even impounded the boat as evidence.
Frank is just grateful for the tip that led him to his daughter. He’s been praising the police for their efforts, too. It’s a tough situation, but at least Emmarae is safe now.
