Social services impostor sexually abused disabled resident at shelter, police say

A 65-year-old man was arrested Friday on charges of forcibly touching a disabled resident and stealing items from that person at a shelter in East Farmingdale, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.

Alfred Balcerak, of Deer Park, faces multiple charges that include forcible touching, third-degree sexual abuse, endangering the welfare of a physically disabled person and petit larceny. At an arraignment hearing Saturday, he pleaded not guilty and bail was set at $150,000 cash, $500,000 insured bond or $1 million partially secured bond, according to the state court system's online database.

His attorney, Eric Brian Besso of Sayville, who was appointed by the court, did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

Balcerak allegedly entered the shelter on Sept. 6 while pretending to be a worker with the Suffolk Department of Social Services, according to a police department news release. He is accused of having sexual contact with the disabled person and taking personal items. 

Following an investigation, detectives with the First Squad and Special Victims Section arrested Balcerak at his home on Friday night. Details of how the police connected Balcerak to the allegations were not disclosed, nor was the name of the shelter.

With Matthew Chayes