Sex Crime Charged In Wainscott

A man living in a group home in Wainscott was charged by East Hampton Town police with sexual abuse in the first degree. Antoine Chappell, 24, allegedly performed a sex act, a D felony, on a fellow male resident who was sleeping at the time, according to police. The sleeping man woke up and the police were called to the group home run by RISE Life Services Sunday morning, March 29.

Bail was set at $5000 by East Hampton Town Justice Lisa Rana during Chappell’s Skype video arraignment that afternoon. As with all court proceedings now in Suffolk County, the arraignment was conducted remotely, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bail set by Rana was at the amount requested by assistant district attorney Breanna McIntyre, who was conferenced in on the call, as was Brian DeSesa, Chappell’s attorney for the arraignment.

Rana also issued a court order requiring Chappell to have no contact with the alleged victim.

Unable to make bail, Chappell was taken to the county jail in Yaphank. The district attorney’s office has until Friday, April 3, to obtain an indictment, or release Chappell, under state law covering those charged with felonies who are unable to post bail. Chappell’s Friday court date in in Central Islip will also be done remotely. He will be represented at that proceeding by an attorney from the Legal Aid Society.

t.e@indyeastend.com