A 23-year-old U.S. Postal Service employee originally from Moriches but now living in Montauk was arrested Friday after authorities say he raped a 15-year-old girl inside a postal vehicle while on duty in East Hampton.
Jenry S. Buestan Gutama was charged with first-degree rape, a Class B felony, and endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor.
Police said the incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. on May 11th, when Buestan Gutama, who police said was familiar with the victim, lured her into the USPS van as a passenger and sexually abused her.
The teenager immediately disclosed the assault to school officials according to cops, who then contacted East Hampton Town Police.
Detectives from the department’s detective division, working with the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, identified Buestan Gutama as the driver of the vehicle at the time.
He was arrested Friday afternoon.
During a virtual arraignment Saturday morning before East Hampton Town Justice David Filer, defense attorney Melissa Aguanno entered a not guilty plea on the misdemeanor charge and a denial on the felony.
Assistant District Attorney Robert Hitscherich requested $25,000 bail, while Aguanno sought $5,000.
Filer set bail at $50,000, noting the potential 25-year prison sentence if convicted.
Filer appointed Aguanno, who initially appeared through the county’s weekend arraignment program, to represent Buestan Gutama as an indigent defendant.
If released, he must report to probation and wear a GPS monitoring bracelet.
East Hampton Town Police are asking anyone with information or possible additional victims to contact the department at 631-537-7575.
All calls will be kept confidential.