On The Beat

Alleged Rape In Southampton

Steven Palmer, an Uber driver, allegedly raped a 16-year-old several times in December, according to Southampton Town Police.

Detectives said Steven Palmer, 33, who lives in Medford befriended the alleged victim, a 16-year-old girl, back in December. She had called for a cab and police said she was “distraught” when Palmer arrived. They spoke at some length, and agreed to meet up again. Police said the pair met daily for three more days, and had sex on each occasion.

Police were called not by the girl but by another “agency” she was dealing with. Police declined to furnish specifics.

On February 4, Palmer was picked up at his home and charged with one count of third-degree rape. The felony charge can be levied if a victim is incapable of consent, or is age 16 or younger. Palmer was held for arraignment and eventually remanded to the Suffolk County Jail, where he posted bail in the form of a $40,000 bond two days later.

Lieutenant Susan Ralph said the charge was statutory rape.

An Uber spokesman said any kind of inappropriate sexual conduct by its drivers is strictly prohibited.

At Gunpoint In Riverhead

A woman reported being robbed at gunpoint by two unknown men in the parking lot of the Laundry Palace on Route 58 in Riverhead at about 12:45 AM Sunday. The victim, 35, was sitting in her own vehicle when a black man approached her. According to Riverhead Town Police, the man opened the passenger side door and flashed a pistol.

He then grabbed her pocketbook and took cash from her purse. A second man appeared at the scene and the two fled on foot, eluding a subsequent police search that included a canine unit.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Riverhead Detective Division at 631-727-4500, ext. 326.

Felony Drug Charge

New York State Police arrested two Greenport men on drug charges early Thursday morning. Troopers said they stopped a 2011 Hyundai Sonata on Sound Avenue after observing the vehicle speeding and crossing the center line near Pennys Road at about 2:35 AM.

The driver, identified as Karon D. Grant, 32, and a passenger, Fredrick D. Grace, 28, were both allegedly carrying—cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, was seized in the course of the arrest. Both men were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree with intent to sell (b felony), and fourth degree, possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, two counts: for cocaine (c felony), and heroin. There were several other drug-related misdemeanors and violations and numerous traffic violations issued.

Both subjects were held for arraignment in Riverhead Justice Court.