Roosevelt man pleads not guilty to forcible touching of girl, 10

A Roosevelt man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges stemming from an alleged forcible touching incident involving a 10-year-old girl in Freeport, authorities said.

The incident occurred at about 1 p.m. Sunday when Nassau County police said Harold Whyte, 65, of 100 Pennsylvania Ave., put his arm around the girl then "placed his hand down her shirt and then told her not to tell anyone."

Whyte was arrested Monday at the First Precinct on charges of forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child.

He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday before Judge Eric Bjornbey in First District Court in Hempstead. He was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to return to court April 9.

His attorney, James Pascarella, of Mineola, could not be immediately be reached for comment.

With Ann Givens