Long Island man charged with rape over alleged sex with underage girl
SOUND BEACH, Long Island (WABC) -- A Long Island man is facing rape charges after police say he had sex with an underage girl.
Authorities say 33-year-old Thomas Hinrichs met the young girl, said to be 16 years old, on social media.
The alleged incident happened earlier this year, police said, and according to court papers, it occurred in a motel room in Centereach approximately nine miles from the suspect's home.
He was arrested Thursday afternoon at his home in Sound Beach and charged with third-degree rape and third-degree criminal sex act.
Hinrichs said nothing in court and was ordered held on $50,000 bail.
On his Facebook page, Hinrichs claims to be a member of the Rocky Point Volunteer Fire Department and a five year employee of the Long Island Rail Road, where he has worked as an usher.
A spokesman confirmed to Eyewitness News that that Hinrichs has been suspended without pay.
Police are now trying to determine if there may be more victims out there.
Detectives are asking anyone with additional information to call the Sixth Squad at (631) 854-8652 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
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