Kidnaped Girl Reportedly Got Hush Money

The man accused of kidnaping 10-year-old Katie Beers and keeping her locked in a coffin-like cell gave her $500 to keep quiet before turning himself over to police, a source said Saturday.

John Esposito gave Katie the cash Wednesday, just before leading police to the cell authorities say he built beneath his Long Island home, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The cash was recovered from Katie as the wide-eyed girl asked police, “Is this money real?”

Esposito, who is charged with kidnapping, remained jailed on $500,000 bail Saturday. A grand jury is considering additional charges against him.

Katie disappeared Dec. 28, while on an outing with Esposito, 43, who initially told police she had vanished from a video arcade.

Although she was unhurt, authorities said Katie was kept chained around the neck at times and also placed for long periods in a coffin-like box that was suspended from the ceiling of the cramped bunker under Esposito’s house.

Katie and her mother, Marilyn Beers, were briefly reunited Friday night, their first meeting since the girl’s 16-day ordeal.

Police have said they believe Esposito locked up Katie after she spurned his sexual advances.

Mrs. Beers’ spirits seemed lifted by the visit, said a friend, Demetrios Rodriguez.

“She looked a little happier. She promised her attorney she wouldn’t say anything to anyone. She wouldn’t even tell me anything,” Rodriguez said Saturday.

Mrs. Beers is trying to regain custody of the child after temporarily turning her over to county officials. The child’s godmother also is fighting for custody.

Neighbors expressed support for Mrs. Beers and said they hoped for Katie’s quick return.