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Yearly Archives: 2023

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Blaise Marckesano

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Nov. 28 that Blaise Marckesano, 38, of Shirley, was sentenced to 1 ½ to 4 ½ years in prison for Robbery in the Third Degree and other charges, after committing a string of catalytic converter thefts, commercial burglaries, and a robbery, throughout Suffolk County.

“Serial recidivists such as this defendant are the reason my office teamed up with our Suffolk County Town Supervisors to create the Quality-of-Life Town Coalition,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Quality of life crimes such as catalytic converter thefts and commercial burglaries seriously impact the safety of Suffolk County residents and businesses alike. These crimes have damaging financial effects to our hard-working residents. I hope this sentence sends the message that my office will continue to vigorously prosecute these crimes.”

According to the investigation and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, between December 11 and December 13, 2021, Marckesano stole six catalytic converters from recreational vehicles that were parked at W.E.S. Trailer Services in Wading River.

Catalytic converters are a part of a vehicle’s exhaust device and use precious metals in their center to reduce pollutants from a vehicle’s engine. These precious metals, which include palladium, platinum, and rhodium can be valuable and make catalytic converters a target for theft.

Marckesano was also involved in a robbery and a string of commercial burglaries in April 2023.

On April 1, 2023, Marckesano pushed a store clerk and forcibly stole beer at a Deli in Shirley. Then, between April 13 and April 25, 2023, Marckesano broke into an American Legion Post in Mastic Beach on two separate occasions and stole approximately $6,000. On April 21, 2023, Marckesano broke into a Home Depot store in Shirley and stole assorted lawn supplies valued at approximately $2,800.

On October 23, 2023, Marckesano pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard I. Horowitz, to the following charges:

 One count of Robbery in the Third Degree; a Class D felony;

 Three counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, a Class D felony; and

 One count of Auto Stripping in the First Degree, a Class D felony.

On November 27, 2023, Justice Horowitz sentenced Marckesano to 1 ½ to 4 ½ years in prison.

Marckesano was represented by the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society. These cases were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Blythe C. Miller of the Financial Crime Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Jacob Delauter of the Major Crime Bureau.

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Seventh Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly burglarized a Yaphank business in October.

A man allegedly broke into Walk-In Barbershop, located at 8 Mill Road on October 4 and stole hair clippers and other assorted barber supplies.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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Do you recognize these two women? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Riverhead Police Department are seeking the public’s help to help identify and locate two women who allegedly stole merchandise from a Riverhead store.

Two women allegedly stole six handbags from Michael Kors, located at the Tangers Outlet Mall at 1947 Old Country Road, Suite 809, on September 3 at approximately 2:15 p.m. The merchandise was valued at $2,387.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Sectionn officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly damaged a car in a Farmingville parking lot in November.

Following a dispute between two men, one man allegedly scratched both sides of the other man’s vehicle, a 2014 Ford SUV, in the parking lot of 2350 North Ocean Ave., on November 12 at approximately 10 a.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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METRO photo

Cellular service with all Suffolk County 9-1-1 receiving call centers has been restored at this
time. Anyone with an emergency can call 9-1-1. There were no reported disruptions to emergency
services being dispatched. The problem with 9-1-1 cellular service throughout Suffolk County was
attributed by Verizon as an equipment failure that impacted the cellular network.

Below is the original press release:

The Suffolk County Police Department has been made aware of an intermittent issue with at least one known cell phone carrier that is causing disruptions to 911 call service within 911 call centers in Suffolk County as of Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.

Residents are urged if they call 911 and receive a fast busy signal to hang up and immediately call 631-852-COPS and follow the prompts to be directed to your police jurisdiction. The department is working to identify and rectify the issue as quickly as possible and there has been no disruption to emergency services being
dispatched as a result of the issue.

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Holiday Spectacular. Photo from TOB

Town of Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro has announced the return of the annual Brookhaven Town Holiday Spectacular, an indoor, walk-through holiday light show, at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville.

Over the years, thousands of families have walked through the winter wonderland of lighted, festive displays, before stopping to take their photos with Santa in his workshop.  All proceeds benefit the Holtsville Ecology Site and go directly to the feed and care of the more than 100 animals residing there.

“This is a fun-filled, affordable entertainment option for families who want to come and enjoy the spirit of the holidays,” Superintendent Losquadro said. “I want to thank my staff at the Ecology Site for working so diligently to transform the greenhouses and make this event so memorable. Over the years, walking through the Holiday Spectacular has become a wonderful holiday tradition for many families.”

The show will run Dec. 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 & 17; hours on Fridays and Saturdays are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to this event is $10 per adult; $8 for seniors, veterans and children under 12; children 3 and under are free. Photos available with Santa for an additional fee; credit cards only, no cash accepted. Tickets must be purchased in advance at BrookhavenNY.gov/Holiday .

For more information, call 631-451-5330.

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The Town of Smithtown Recreation & Senior Citizens Departments will host the annual Tender Years Treasury, holiday shopping experience for children on Saturday, December 2 at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center, 420 Middle Country Road, Smithtown from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The popular event allows kids to independently shop for family gifts, all handmade by local seniors, modestly priced at $5 and under.

“This is such a special event, where our older, very talented generations present homemade gift items to our youngest residents. The kids love the thrill of shopping independently, while surprising family and school friends with a special gift they hand picked with allowance money. All of the items are handmade with care, by local, incredibly talented senior citizens, reasonably priced at $5 or less. The team at Smithtown Recreation & the Senior Citizens Department love putting this annual event together and it shows on the faces of everyone participating. I love taking my grandkids to this event every year. If you haven’t experienced it yet… I highly recommend you save the date,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

The festivities include an upscale boutique, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, a homemade quilt raffle, balloon sculptures, and free gift wrapping. Adults can relax in a waiting area while kids independently choose their holiday gifts for family and friends. Additionally, children can bring a letter to Santa Claus, with return address information to receive a letter from the North Pole in return.

Children, grades K-5, are chaperoned by Smithtown Senior Center & Recreation Department staff as they make their own decisions on purchasing handcrafted gifts made by local senior citizens. The gift items are all priced at five dollars and under. Parents and/or older siblings will have the option of walking extra little shoppers around after 12:45 p.m. For further details, call Smithtown Recreation at 631-360-7644.

 

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The Northport/East Northport Community Drug & Alcohol Task Force hosts its 6th annual Color Run on Saturday, Nov. 4. Photo courtesy NENDATF

Hundreds gathered at Northport Middle School on Saturday, Nov. 4, in support of the 6th annual Color Run hosted by the Northport/East Northport Community Drug & Alcohol Task Force.

The Color Run is a unique and vibrant event that combines the elements of a fun run with an explosion of color, fun and community spirit. Participants donned white t-shirts, symbolic of a blank canvas, and raced through the course, where they were showered by volunteers with nontoxic, biodegradable colored powder at various “color stations” along the route.

The run culminates in a “finish festival” featuring music, dancing, games and a photo booth. Several organizations operated information booths as well, including the Family & Children’s Association, Hands Across Long Island, Gabriel’s Giving Tree, Families in Support of Treatment, CN Guidance Counseling Services, Seafield, and more.

The event was made possible due to generous sponsorships by Geico and National Event Connection, as well as hard work by community volunteers and students from 1Life Youth Coalition and the Northport High School Wilderness Club.

The annual Color Run coincides with R.A.P. — Recovery, Awareness, Prevention — Week in the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District, during which students participate in age-appropriate group programming and activities that provide valuable education on the dangers of substance use.

“R.A.P. Week is a great way to impart valuable lessons about making smart choices when it comes to drugs, but we also have to show people how much joy and color can be found in everyday life,” said Linda Oristano, project coordinator for the NENDATF. “I’m incredibly grateful to our volunteers for their hard work and generosity, and to everyone in the community who showed up to support this beautiful cause.”

The NENDATF is a community organization founded in 2006 to address the devastation and loss of life caused by the drug epidemic and highlight support structures for those in recovery.

For more information about how to get involved, visit www.ndatf.org.

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By Shannon L. Malone, Esq.

Shannon L. Malone, Esq.

Over the course of the year, we at Glynn Mercep Purcell and Morrison LLP., have sought to inform our neighbors in the community of important automobile insurance topics through our Auto Insurance Forum column. To summarize the many insurance issues discussed in our articles and to help the reader understand some key takeaways, we suggest keeping the information below in a safe place so that you may reference it in the future. 

Insurance Policy Minimums under New York State Law: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in Bodily Injury coverage; $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in Supplemental Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage; $50,000 in Personal Injury Protection coverage; $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage

The Importance of Adequate SUM Coverage: As discussed, SUM coverage is mandated in New York for the amount indicated above. Having adequate SUM coverage is vital to ensure fair compensation when injured by an under-insured driver as your own policy pays the gap between their liability and your claim.

Understanding the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC): In New York, “No Fault” insurance (Personal Injury Protection or PIP) covers accident-related costs, regardless of fault. Drivers need a minimum liability policy of $25,000. 

When hit by an uninsured driver or involved in a hit-and-run as a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist without your own insurance, the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) steps in. MVAIC is a non-profit organization providing up to $50,000 in no-fault benefits for medical bills and $25,000 per person for injury compensation. 

It’s funded by insurance company levies, fees, investments, and recoveries. To qualify, the accident must be reported to the police within 24 hours, the accident must have occurred in New York, and no other insurance is available. You cannot own or be the spouse of the uninsured vehicle’s owner. For hit-and-runs, file a Notice of Intention within 90 days (180 days if the owner is identified). Complete an NF-2 form with accident and injury details, medical bills, and a Household Affidavit. Consult a lawyer for help navigating this process.

Understanding New York’s No-Fault Insurance Law: New York State Insurance Law § 5102(d) governs the criteria which allows you to make a claim or file a lawsuit when you are injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident. 

The section defines the criteria necessary to receive compensation (i.e., a serious injury) as: ”a personal injury which results in (1) death; (2) dismemberment; (3) significant disfigurement; (4) a fracture; (5) loss of a fetus; (6) permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system; (7) permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member; (8) significant limitation of use of a body function or system; (9) or a medically determined injury or impairment of a non-permanent nature which prevents the injured person from performing substantially all of the material acts which constitute such person’s usual and customary daily activities for not less than ninety days during the one hundred eighty days immediately following the occurrence of the injury or impairment.”

Remember Insurance Companies are in Business to Make Money: Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts to maximize profits. They investigate claims, including personal background and online presence. Communicate factually with insurance adjusters but avoid volunteering information. Many companies use actuarial software to calculate low initial settlement offers. Negotiate to increase your claim’s value by considering all medical expenses, additional accident-related costs, and long-term consequences of your injuries.

On behalf of Glynn Mercep Purcell and Morrison LLP., we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Shannon L. Malone, Esq. is an Associate Attorney at Glynn Mercep Purcell and Morrison LLP in Setauket. She graduated from Touro Law, where she wrote and served as an editor of the Touro Law Review. Ms. Malone is a proud Stony Brook University alumna.

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Puree of Split Pea Soup

By Heidi Sutton

One of the fastest ways to warm up when chilly temperatures set in is by enjoying hearty, hot soups at mealtime. The following recipes for “Puree of Split Pea Soup” and “Zucchini Soup with Cheddar Rusks” from The Culinary Institute of America Book of Soups make for a warming meal.

Puree of Split Pea Soup

Puree of Split Pea Soup

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

4 strips bacon, minced

1 medium onion, diced (about 11⁄4 cups)

1 carrot, diced (about 1⁄3 cup)

1 celery stalk, diced (about 1⁄2 cup)

1 leek, white and light green part, diced (about 11⁄4 cups)

6 cups chicken broth

2 yellow or white potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)

1⁄2 pound split green or yellow peas

1 smoked ham hock

Sachet: 1 bay leaf, 1 whole clove, 1 garlic clove, and 4 to 5 peppercorns, enclosed in a large teaball or tied in a cheesecloth pouch

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

1 cup croutons

DIRECTIONS:

Cook the bacon in a soup pot over medium-high heat until crisp and brown. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels and set aside. Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and leek; stir to evenly coat with fat. Cover the pot and cook the vegetables over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender and translucent, 6 to 8 minutes.

Add the broth, potatoes, peas, and ham hock. Bring to a simmer and cook over medium heat, 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the sachet and simmer until the split peas are soft, about 30 minutes. Skim away any scum during simmering.

Remove the sachet and discard. Remove the ham hock and set aside to cool. When cool enough to handle, cut the ham off the bone, dice, and set aside.

Strain the soup through a sieve, reserving the liquid. Puree the solids and return them to the pot. Add enough of the reserved liquid to achieve a thick consistency. Blend well. Stir in the ham and bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Serve in heated bowls, garnished with croutons.

Zucchini Soup with Cheddar Rusks

Zucchini Soup with Cheddar Rusks

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

4 bacon strips, minced

2 onions, diced (about 21⁄2 cups)

4 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 teaspoons)

4 medium zucchini, diced (7 to 8 cups)

6 cups chicken broth

4 plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped, (about 1 cup)

1⁄2 cup tomato puree

4 tablespoons tarragon

2 tablespoons minced fresh basil

1⁄2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1⁄4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste

8 cheddar rusks (see below)

DIRECTIONS:

Cook the bacon in a soup pot over medium heat until the fat is released and the bacon bits are crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the onions and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are a light golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the zucchini, cover the pot and cook until the zucchini starts to become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, tomatoes, tomato puree, and vinegar. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are very tender and the soup has developed a good flavor, 15 to 20 minutes. Add the basil to the soup, and season with salt and pepper. Serve in heated bowls, garnished with cheddar rusks.

Cheddar Rusks

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

8 slices French or Italian bread (1⁄2-inch thick)

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Toast the bread until golden brown on both sides. Preheat the broiler. Scatter the cheese evenly over the toasted bread and broil until the cheese bubbles and begins to brown

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