WYANDANCH, NY – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Douglas Graves, 42, of Wyandanch, has been indicted on multiple felony charges, including Assault in the First Degree, for an alleged chemical attack that left his girlfriend with severe and lasting injuries.
This kind of cruelty is unimaginable,” District Attorney Tierney said. “Survivors of domestic violence deserve unwavering protection, and we will not tolerate those who believe they can brutalize their partners without consequence. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office stands with victims, and we will fight for them relentlessly.”
According to investigators, the alleged assault occurred during the early morning hours of November 16, 2025, at a residence in Wyandanch where Graves had been staying with the victim. Authorities say an argument began when the woman attempted to leave the home and return to her own residence. During the dispute, Graves allegedly grabbed a bleach bottle containing sulfuric acid and intentionally splashed the corrosive liquid onto the victim’s face and body before fleeing the scene.
The chemical reportedly burned through the victim’s clothing almost immediately, causing intense pain and severe burns to her skin. Police said the victim told investigators that Graves regularly carried the acid mixture for personal protection. By the time officers arrived, Graves had already left, and the victim’s clothing was reportedly melting due to the chemical reaction.
The victim was transported by ambulance to Nassau County Medical Center, where she was admitted for treatment of extensive chemical burns. Despite efforts to neutralize the acid, doctors reported that the burns continued to worsen for approximately a week, requiring constant wound care. Prosecutors say the victim will require future reconstructive surgeries to repair the damage to her skin.
Graves was located and arrested later that same morning. While in custody, investigators allege that he made phone calls on November 20 and November 24, 2025, to two different female associates, during which he sought assistance in preventing the victim from testifying. Prosecutors further allege that Graves attempted to contact the victim directly by calling her from jail while she was still hospitalized.
On December 11, 2025, Graves was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz on an indictment charging him with two counts of Assault in the First Degree, two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, two counts of Tampering with a Witness in the Fourth Degree, Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree, and two counts of Attempted Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree.
Justice Horowitz ordered Graves held on $150,000 cash bail, $500,000 bond, or a $1 million partially secured bond. He is scheduled to return to court on January 8, 2026, and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top charge.
Key Facts & Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Douglas Graves, 42, of Wyandanch |
| Victim | Adult female; girlfriend of the defendant |
| Incident Date | November 16, 2025 |
| Incident Time | Early morning hours |
| Incident Location | Residence in Wyandanch |
| Alleged Weapon | Sulfuric acid carried in a bleach bottle |
| Alleged Conduct | Threw caustic liquid onto victim’s face and body |
| Victim Injuries | Severe chemical burns to face and body; clothing melted; ongoing wound care |
| Medical Treatment | Hospitalized at Nassau County Medical Center; reconstructive surgeries expected |
| Arrest | Located and arrested later the same day |
| Post-Arrest Allegations | Attempted to interfere with victim’s testimony via phone calls |
| Arraignment Date | December 11, 2025 |
| Arraigning Judge | Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz |
| Charges | Assault 1st Degree (2 counts); Assault 2nd Degree (2 counts); Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree; Tampering with a Witness 4th Degree (2 counts); Criminal Contempt 2nd Degree; Attempted Criminal Contempt 2nd Degree (2 counts) |
| Bail Status | $150,000 cash; $500,000 bond; or $1,000,000 partially secured bond |
| Next Court Date | January 8, 2026 |
| Maximum Sentence | Up to 25 years in prison |
| Prosecuting Office | Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office |
