Long Island Man Accused of Kidnapping 4-Year-Old from Laundromat

Lawyer claims language barrier led to misunderstanding about client's intentions

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:23pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a set of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the serious nature of the alleged crime.The alleged kidnapping incident has sparked concerns over child safety and communication challenges in sensitive situations.Central Islip Today

A 38-year-old man named Carlos Corte was arrested and charged with second-degree kidnapping after allegedly taking a 4-year-old girl from a laundromat in Patchogue, Long Island where she was with her mother. Corte's lawyer claimed he had brought the girl to the library to help find her parents, but a language barrier led to a misunderstanding about his intentions. Corte was released on supervised release with a GPS monitor despite prosecutors seeking high bail.

Why it matters

The case has raised concerns about child safety in public spaces and the challenges of communication across language barriers, especially in sensitive situations involving minors. It also highlights questions around bail and release decisions for alleged crimes against children.

The details

According to prosecutors, Corte admitted to 'taking the 4-year-old girl from King Laundry where she had been with her mother.' His lawyer claimed Corte had brought the girl to the library to help find her parents, but a language barrier led to a misunderstanding. Corte was in court for this kidnapping charge as well as a separate unrelated warrant from the Village Court of Patchogue.

  • The alleged kidnapping incident occurred at a laundromat in Patchogue, Long Island.
  • Corte was arraigned on the kidnapping charge on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Carlos Corte

A 38-year-old man accused of kidnapping a 4-year-old girl from a laundromat in Patchogue, Long Island.

Alexandra Dyroff

The Suffolk County legal aid attorney representing Carlos Corte.

Evan Ryan

The Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney prosecuting the case against Carlos Corte.

Judge James F. Leonick

The judge presiding over Carlos Corte's arraignment and release on supervised monitoring.

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What they’re saying

“Your honor my client has had zero interaction with law enforcement. We're asking for a release on his own recognizance. He thought the girl lived alone without parents.”

— Alexandra Dyroff, Suffolk County legal aid attorney

“He took her to the library and told an employee there as such but there was a language barrier. It seems to be a mistake.”

— Alexandra Dyroff, Suffolk County legal aid attorney

“He took a 4-year-old girl from King Laundry where she had been with her mother doing laundry. The defendant made an oral admission, quote, 'I made a mistake when I took the girl,'”

— Evan Ryan, Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney

What’s next

Corte is scheduled to appear in court on April 16 for a separate unrelated warrant case from the Village Court of Patchogue.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for clear communication and understanding across language barriers, especially when it comes to the safety of children. It also raises questions about bail and release decisions for alleged crimes against minors, and the balance between due process and public safety.