Long Island Father Sues Over Daughter's 25-Day Sex Trafficking Ordeal

Lawsuit alleges authorities failed to protect a vulnerable teen from a horrific sex trafficking ordeal.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:37am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled piece of paper with handwritten notes, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigation into the alleged failure to protect a teen from sex trafficking.The lawsuit alleges authorities failed to protect a vulnerable teen from a horrific sex trafficking ordeal.NYC Today

A Long Island father has filed a federal lawsuit against Suffolk County and New York state officials, accusing them of failing to protect his 14-year-old daughter after she went missing for 25 days in 2024 and was allegedly raped and sex-trafficked by multiple individuals during that time.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the vulnerability of minors to sex trafficking, as well as questions around the responsibility of local and state authorities to safeguard children in their care.

The details

According to the lawsuit, the father, Frank Gervasi, says his daughter was placed in a facility operated by Suffolk County and the state of New York, where she was allegedly assaulted and trafficked before eventually being recovered. The lawsuit alleges that officials failed to properly monitor and protect the girl during her time at the facility.

  • The 14-year-old girl went missing for 25 days in 2024.
  • The federal lawsuit was filed in April 2026.

The players

Frank Gervasi

The father of the 14-year-old girl who went missing for 25 days and was allegedly raped and sex-trafficked.

Suffolk County

The county in New York where the 14-year-old girl was placed in a facility operated by the county and state.

New York State

The state where the 14-year-old girl was placed in a facility operated by Suffolk County and the state.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in protecting vulnerable minors from sex trafficking and the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures for local and state authorities tasked with safeguarding children in their care.