The father of a 14-year-old girl from Patchogue, who went missing for 25 days before being found Friday on a boat in Islip, will appear on “Dr. Phil” Tuesday night to discuss her disappearance and rescue, the dad said Tuesday.
The father is expected to share his perspective on the search for his daughter and the broader concerns surrounding missing children during the “Dr. Phil” television episode, which airs at 8 p.m.
Patchogue dad tells Dr. Phil tipster was involved in teen daughter’s disappearance
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The teen was reported missing Dec. 9, prompting extensive search efforts. She was found following an anonymous tip received by her father, the father said. According to social media posts by the father, he located his daughter on a boat docked at White Cap Marina in Islip.
Authorities arrested Francis Buckheit, 64, of East Islip, in connection with the girl’s disappearance, according to numerous media outlets. He has been charged with first-degree kidnapping, second-degree rape, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Since her disappearance, the girl’s father has been outspoken about his search efforts, using Facebook and Instagram to spread the word and offer updates on his search efforts. Though he said he believed she was being held against her will, he sometimes spoke directly to his daughter, telling her it was OK to come home, that she would not be in trouble.
He has continued to speak out about the ongoing case, posting the suspect’s name and image on Facebook.
“I will be live on dr Phil to clarify some info!” the Patchogue dad posted on Instagram.
Buckheit pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Saturday and is being held without bail. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office told Newsday that the case is under investigation, with a grand jury presentation expected soon.
Editor’s Note: While Greater Long Island previously identified the girl while she was missing, we are no longer doing so because she appears to be the victim of a sex crime. We are also withholding the name of her father to protect her identity.
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