Medford man charged with inappropriately touching disabled girl, Suffolk police say
UPDATE: This case was dismissed in Suffolk County criminal court on Feb. 28, 2018.
A Medford man has been charged with sexual abuse after, Suffolk County police said, he inappropriately touched a girl living in a residence for people with cerebral palsy earlier this month.
Police said William Edel, 65, was working at United Cerebral Palsy at 199 Atlantic St. in Central Islip when he inappropriately touched a 14-year-old female resident living there on Nov. 5.
Court records show Edel was arrested Nov. 9 and arraigned the next day. Police said he was charged with first-degree sexual abuse and first-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, both felonies. Edel was held in lieu of $5,000 cash bail at his arraignment, and a temporary order of protection was issued.
A person who answered the phone at United Cerebral Palsy in Central Islip declined to comment on the charges.
Records show Edel is being represented by Legal Aid, which does not comment on individual cases. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 10.
This story was updated on March 18, 2026, to reflect new court information.
Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.
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