Rockville Centre boy arrested for assault

Police in Suffolk County arrested a 16-year-old Rockville Centre boy last week for a sexual assault of an 18-year-old.

According to East Hampton Town Police, Joseph Cardinali, 16, of Rockville Centre, was a patient at the Phoenix House Academy on Long Island, a drug rehabilitation clinic located in Wainscott. Police said that Cardinali assaulted a fellow patient on Nov. 17. The police said that the investigation showed that a wooden broom handle was used to penetrate the rectum of the victim. The victim was taken to Southampton Hospital where he underwent surgery and was admitted.

Cardinali, 16, was arrested and charged with first degree aggravated sexual abuse and third degree assault. He was arraigned in East Hampton Town Justice Court last week.

The investigation is ongoing and police ask anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to call (631) 537-7575. All calls will be kept confidential.