Suffolk Reporter

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney has announced the indictment of Alfred Balcerak III, a 65-year-old resident of Deer Park. Balcerak faces charges including Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person in the First Degree and Forcible Touching, following allegations that he impersonated a housing specialist from the Department of Social Services and sexually abused a resident at a homeless shelter.

"The allegations against the defendant are extremely troubling," stated District Attorney Tierney. "Crimes that target the homeless and mentally disabled are particularly heinous, as these victims are often isolated and lack the resources to defend themselves."

The investigation revealed that on September 6, 2024, Balcerak allegedly claimed to be from the Department of Social Services while visiting a homeless shelter in East Farmingdale. He presented an expired New York State driver's license and an insurance card for identification and signed in as an employee from the department.

Balcerak reportedly inquired about young male residents needing housing assistance before meeting with a disabled victim. Inside a room, he posed as a home health aide, cleaned the space, and offered help with showering. During this interaction, he allegedly made sexually explicit comments and touched the victim, who instructed him to stop. Upon leaving, Balcerak purportedly took the victim's cell phone.

He was arrested by Suffolk County Police Department officers on September 13, 2024, at his Deer Park residence.

On October 3, 2024, Balcerak was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis on multiple charges:

- Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person in the First Degree (Class E felony)

- Forcible Touching (Class A misdemeanor)

- Petit Larceny (Class A misdemeanor)

- Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree (Class A misdemeanor)

- Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree (Class B misdemeanor)

Justice Wilutis set bail at $150,000 cash or $500,000 bond or $1 million partially secured bond. Balcerak is scheduled to return to court on October 24, 2024. His legal representation is provided by Matthew Tuohy.

Assistant District Attorney Kapish Barry from the Major Crime Bureau is prosecuting this case. The investigation involved Detective Maria Acevedo from Suffolk County Police Department’s Special Victims Section and Detective Alexander Seda from Suffolk County Police Department’s First Squad Detective Section.