Village Hardware Store Owner Charged

East Hampton Village police are actively investigating the alleged actions of Village Hardware store owner Bernard Kiembock, following his December 21 arrest on a charge of endangering the welfare of a minor. Police said that on October 13 Kiembock grabbed an employee aged 16 years old or younger by her waist and kissed her, against her will, on the lips.

The child eventually told an adult and was interviewed by detectives on December 17. Kiembock, 78, also owns the White Sands Motel in Napeague. Detective Lt. Gregory Brown said “there is an ongoing investigation” of the incident.

The public can share information relevant to the case by contacting detectives at 631-324-0777.

Two more recent arrests made by East Hampton Village police happened after they were called to a residence on The Circle the night of December 27 to investigate a noise complaint. Once there, they reported finding 30 to 40 teenagers, both inside and outside the residence, drinking alcoholic beverages. Most of the partiers fled when police arrived. The parents of the 15-year-old youth who lives at the address were inside the residence and were both charged with two misdemeanor crimes, unlawfully dealing with a child and violation of Suffolk County Social Host Law. Dan Meeks and Sylvia Scott Flender face arraignment in East Hampton Town Justice Court on Thursday, January 9.

Police said in the press release announcing the arrest that they were called to the same address on The Circle October 31 to deal with another 15-year-old who had overdosed.

t.e@indyeastend.com