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Arthur O’Neal, age 36, of Centereach, was arraigned on felony rape and sexual abuse charges in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Feb. 23.
Prosecutors said O’Neal brought the victim to his Centereach residence on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, after drugging her with a sleep aid while they had drinks in Huntington.
He then sexually assaulted her until she lost consciousness, according to prosecutors.
The woman later woke up in a bed next to O’Neal and saw blood on the sheets. She went to a hospital where an examination concluded that she had suffered recent sexual abuse.
Prosecutors said testing of the woman’s urine showed the presence of Zolpidiem, commonly known as Ambien. She told police that she had not voluntarily ingested the drug at any point.
Further investigation turned up videos and images on O’Neal’s cell phone that allegedly show him sexually assaulting the woman while she’s unconscious, according to prosecutors.
Detectives also found bloody sheets and multiple pairs of women’s underwear at his home.
“Accountability for perpetrators of sexual abuse is not just a legal obligation, but also a moral one,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond 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.”
Following his arraignment, O’Neal was held at the Suffolk County jail on $1 million bond. He is due back in court on Monday, March 11.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have been victimized by O’Neal to contact Suffolk County Police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
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