L.I. Store Owner Accused of Sexually Assaulting, Drugging 17-Year-Old Male Employee

Daniel Miller, 44, was arrested and charged with first-degree criminal sexual act in connection with the Jan. 3 incident

The owner of a Long Island religious goods store has been arrested for allegedly drugging a 17-year-old employee his first day on the job and sexually assaulting him inside his store.

Daniel Miller, 44, was arrested and charged with first-degree criminal sexual act in connection with the Jan. 3 incident.

Police say Miller, of Inwood, drugged the 17-year-old male victim while inside Botanica, a religious goods store he owns on Mott Street.

The victim, who had just started working at the story that day, was given a cup containing a liquid mixed with Lorazepam and told to drink it, police said.

Detectives say the victim didn't know he was being drugged when he was given the concoction at about 4:30 p.m. Twelve hours later, the victim awoke in Miller's home. Miller drove him home and the victim notified police, detectives say.

Detectives arrested Miller Thursday at his home. He complained of chest pain and was taken to a local hospital, where he was admitted. He will be arraigned when practical, police say. It's not known if he has a lawyer.

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