A Suffolk County correction officer was arrested Thursday for allegedly sexually abusing a child over a nine-year span, as well as theft and weapons charges, prosecutors said.
Robert Weis was charged with felony counts of sexual conduct against a child, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of stolen property, and a misdemeanor count of official misconduct. Authorities are also investigating whether there are more victims.
“This is an individual who routinely abused his position of power, in both his official capacity as a correction officer and as an adult who was an authority figure for children,” Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini said. “He violated the trust placed in him by those close to him, both professionally and personally.”
Prosecutors said the investigation into the 55-year-old Hampton Bays man began after a man reported to the Southampton Town Police Department that Weis had sexually abused the victim from from the ages of seven to 16.
Weis, who is the adoptive parent of five males and has been a foster parent for approximately 15 years, has been employed as a Suffolk County correction officer since 1995.
When authorities executed a search warrant at his home, they seized three illegal handguns, 32 rifles, and more than 50,000 rounds of ammunition. Police also said investigators recovered stolen property belonging to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, including bulletproof vests and EMT equipment.
Weis was placed on modified duty working as a quartermaster for the Sheriff’s Office and had access to the office’s uniforms, gear, and other official property after he was arrested in South Carolina in 2016 for allegedly sexually abusing a minor. Those charges are currently pending.
Weis was arraigned on the charges today in Southampton Town Justice Court. Bail was set at $1 million cash or $3 million bond.
Weis faces up to 25 years in prison, if convicted of the most serious charge. He is due back in court on Tuesday. The investigation is continuing.
Investigators urged anyone who was victimized by Weis or has information regarding the allegations to contact the Southampton Town Police Department’s Detective Division at 631-702-2230.
