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Yearly Archives: 2024

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Suffolk County D.A. Raymond Tierney

Kerri Bedrick Was Allegedly Fleeing Law Enforcement While Impaired by Methamphetamine When She Caused a Four-Car Collision that Killed Her Son

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 4 that Kerri Bedrick, 32, of Centerport, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, and other related charges, for allegedly causing a multi-vehicle crash that killed her son, who was a passenger in the back seat of the vehicle she drove in the wrong direction of the Southern State Parkway while allegedly impaired by methamphetamine.

“The charges returned by the grand jury reflect the severe nature of the alleged offenses. The loss of life in this incident, particularly that of a young child, is heartbreaking,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We are committed to seeking justice not only for the child but also for those whose lives were affected and disrupted by this heinous act.”

According to court documents and the investigation, on August 22, 2024, at approximately 2:15 a.m., a Suffolk County deputy sheriff was patrolling the eastbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway when he observed Bedrick driving westbound at a high rate of speed in a 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse on the eastbound lanes of the parkway.

When he spotted Bedrick driving the wrong way, the deputy sheriff made a U-turn, activated his lights and sirens and attempted to stop Bedrick’s car as she continued to drive in the direction of oncoming traffic. Bedrick allegedly accelerated and drove around the deputy’s vehicle as he attempted to guide her car safely off the road. The deputy sheriff continued to travel behind Bedrick at a safe distance for more than five miles, as she allegedly reached speeds of approximately 100 miles per hour. Bedrick’s actions caused multiple vehicles traveling eastbound to avoid being struck by veering out of the way of her oncoming car. For safety reasons, the deputy sheriff had to enter the westbound lanes of travel in order to maintain sight of Bedrick’s vehicle while she continued to drive the wrong way on the eastbound lanes of the parkway.

Shortly afterwards, just east of Exit 42N, Bedrick struck multiple vehicles. The crash ended with Bedrick striking a Mercedes GLS SUV head-on. The force of the impact caused catastrophic damage to both cars and ejected a large field of debris across the roadway. The engine of Bedrick’s vehicle was launched into the woods.

When the deputy sheriff who had been following Bedrick and New York State Police troopers approached her vehicle, they observed an unconscious nine-year old child in the backseat passenger seat. The child was removed from the vehicle and attempts to provide life saving measures were taken. The child was later taken to South Shore Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Two other motorists involved in the collision were treated at local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

Multiple pills were recovered from the defendant’s vehicle in a prescription bottle with the name peeled off. The defendant was later taken to the hospital, determined to be impaired by the use of a drug, and placed under arrest. A review of Bedrick’s driving history revealed that she had 56 suspensions on 8 separate dates.

On September 4, 2024, Bedrick was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for the following charges contained in the indictment:

  •   Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A felonies;
  •   One count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a Class B felony;
  •   One count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   One count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
  •   One count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Unlawful Feeling a Police Officer in the First Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Reckless Endangerment in First Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child, a Class E felony;
  •   One count of Driving While Ability Impaired by a Drug, an unclassified misdemeanor;
  •   Two counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors;
  •   One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class

    A misdemeanor;

  •   One count of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Second Degree

    an unclassified misdemeanor;

  •   One count of Reckless Driving, an unclassified misdemeanor;
  •   One count of Operating a Motor Vehicle without a License, a traffic infraction;
  •   One count of Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Inspection Certificate, a traffic

    infraction;

  •   One count of Operating a Motor Vehicle without Insurance, a traffic infraction; and
  •   One count of Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, a traffic infraction.

Justice Horowitz ordered Bedrick to be remanded without bail and that her license be suspended during the pendecy of the case.

Bedrick is due back in court on October 22, 2024, and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count. She is being represented by Scott Zerner, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James McCormack of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Investigator Kevin Doyle of the New York State Police.

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Suffolk County Community College recently completed its Summer High School Offshore Wind Turbines course, designed to introduce high school students to the burgeoning field of wind energy. Photo courtesy of SCCC

Suffolk County Community College has announced the successful completion of its recent Summer High School Offshore Wind Turbines course, designed to introduce high school students to the burgeoning field of wind energy. The college held two separate summer sessions and provided students with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience.

The first camp was comprised solely of participants from the South Huntington School District. The second camp welcomed students, including those from the South Huntington School District, as well as participants from the New York State STEP (Science and Technology Entry Program) grant program

The program is sponsored by a grant awarded by the Offshore Wind Training Institute, an organization administered by SUNY Farmingdale and Stony Brook University. The grant is titled “Strengthening the Wind Energy Education Pipeline (SWEEP).”

The offshore wind turbines course is part of Suffolk County Community College’s broader effort to prepare students for careers in the renewable energy sector. This grant also enabled the college to expand its welding and composites training programs. Since the launch of these programs, students have successfully completed both the welding and Introduction to Basic Composite Technology courses, with a majority of students passing the American Welding Society (AWS) certification exam.

As part of the students’ comprehensive training experience, all students in the welding and basic composite technology programs also participated in career exploration workshops. These workshops featured guest speakers from the National Offshore Wind Training Center, the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and Community Offshore Wind, offering valuable insights into the industry and future career paths. As a result, a number of students have already interviewed with labor unions for potential pre-apprenticeship opportunities in the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Additional students are scheduled to participate in these programs throughout 2024 and 2025. An inaugural cohort of a 60-hour composites course, leading to a national certification by CertTEC, is scheduled for Spring 2025. The college has also developed offshore wind career exploration modules in collaboration with the Institute for Workforce Advancement. These modules aim to engage underrepresented populations and post-high-school students by providing insights into wind energy fundamentals, local projects, and career opportunities. To date, three workshops have been held, with 12 more planned throughout the remainder of the grant project. Portable simulations will be used to enhance engagement at career fairs, libraries, and community venues

About Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is the largest community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling approximately 21,000 students at its three campuses in Selden, Brentwood and Riverhead. Suffolk offers the Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, as well as a variety of certificate programs. Offering affordable college tuition, a highly respected Honors program, workforce training programs, extensive extracurricular activities, championship athletic teams, and numerous transfer programs, Suffolk is a first-choice college for Long Island students. Visit us online at sunysuffolk.edu.

Research/Work reported in this press release was supported by SUNY System Administration under SUNY Offshore Wind Training Institute.

STEP is funded by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Project # 0516-24-0041Office of Access, Equity and Community Engagement Services (OAECES) & Office of Postsecondary Access, Support and Success (OPASS).

 

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Modern Studio Offers Accessible Yoga Classes and Spa-Like Amenities for All Levels

YogaSix, a modern fitness boutique offering a fresh perspective on one of the world’s oldest practices, recently opening up its newest location in Lake Grove on August 30. Located at 139 D Alexander Ave, the new studio introduces people of all ages and abilities to the various health and wellness benefits of the brand’s unique take on yoga, providing a welcoming, modern, and spa-like experience. Leading up to the grand opening on October 11, YogaSix Lake Grove will be offering discounted, unlimited class memberships.

YogaSix Lake Grove is owned and operated by Cristina Givelechian, a passionate yoga enthusiast originally from Romania, who moved to the United States in 1993. Givelechian’s journey into yoga began after reading a book about a Romanian man who was unable to walk, and traditional medicine wasn’t helping him recover. He eventually turned to yoga and fully regained his mobility. Inspired by this story, Givelechian wanted to learn more and began practicing yoga herself, discovering the profound mind-body connection it offers. Over 25 years later, yoga remains her go-to practice for de-stressing and maintaining flexibility and strength.

Givelechian brings a wealth of business experience to YogaSix. With a successful 30-year career in Commercial Banking, she honed her skills in portfolio management and client relations. Inspired by the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the business owners she served, Givelechian is determined to create a thriving yoga studio that positively impacts all the communities surrounding the Lake Grove area.

“Throughout my life, I’ve tried all kinds of fitness concepts, but yoga was the one I always came back to,” said Givelechian. “For many people, yoga isn’t something they would typically consider, but the more I talk to them, the more excited they get as they begin to realize the amazing benefits yoga offers. I can’t wait to continue spreading the word about yoga and sharing its incredible benefits with the amazing communities in Lake Grove and surrounding areas.”

A variety of yoga classes are offered at YogaSix to encompass everything from deep stretching, to stress relief, to high intensity training. Offering six core formats: Y6 101, Y6 Restore, Y6 Slow Flow, Y6 Hot, Y6 Power, Y6 Sculpt Flow. Each class caters to every fitness level and strengthens the mind-body connection.

The new studio plans to make an impression with its unique, modern version of yoga and fully sensory experience featuring state-of-the-art heating system, sound and lights, high-quality cushioned performance flooring, cool eucalyptus towels, aroma-therapy, and chic retail boutique. Particularly notable is the use of simple language instead of Sanskrit to describe poses, as the traditional language can be intimidating to newcomers. The studio provides class options for everybody, from beginners to athletes seeking recovery to more advanced students, in a judgement-free, welcoming, and supportive environment. New students are always greeted by a wellness advisor when they enter the studio to educate and empower them before they engage in a YogaSix experience.

YogaSix Lake Grove is open seven days a week with up to 6 classes daily, from 6am to 8pm. Monthly memberships are available for four, eight or unlimited visits per month, as well as drop-in options. More information about the new studio can be found at www.yogasix.com/location/lake-grove and the studio can be contacted by email at [email protected], or by phone at (631) 418-8959.

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Stony Brook University: Entrance sign

Stony Brook University MAT Program serves a key role in graduating future physics teachers

For the seventh time in nine years, Stony Brook University (SBU) has been recognized by the American Physical Society (APS) and the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) as a member of the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC) 5+ Club for its outstanding work in graduating nine physics teachers in the 2022-2023 academic year.

From left, Muxi Liu (Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Physics), Dr. Gillian Winters (Lecturer, MAT Program in Physics), and Daniel Treu (MAT Graduate). Photo by David Genik

This significant feat was achieved through the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, which is part of the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Physics and Astronomy and administered by the Institute for STEM Education and the School of Professional Development.

“In this science and technology driven modern society, early physics education is increasingly important. In recent years, the Department of Physics and Astronomy has been a national leader in producing well qualified high school teachers through its MAT program, now directed by Professor Angela Kelly,” said Chang Kee Jung, distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. “We have received the 5+ Club recognition seven out of the past nine years, and in Academic Year 2022-23, we graduated nine new physics teachers, which is an historic record for our MAT program. As the chair of the Department I challenge the program to become a member of the 10+ Club, which is yet to be established. We are very close to the Chair’s challenge goal and I am very proud of our MAT program.”

“The SBU Department of Physics has a long history of excellence in physics teacher preparation, which grew under the stewardship of Dr. Robert McCarthy for many years,” said Angela Kelly, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and Institute for STEM Education and director of the MAT Program. “We plan on redoubling our recruitment efforts to reach the Chair’s goal of 10 physics teachers per year to serve secondary students on Long Island and beyond.”

According to the APS and AAPT, graduating more than five physics teachers in an academic year puts SBU in the 99th percentile of all US colleges and universities. With a shortage of qualified physics teachers in the United States, SBU’s MAT program serves as a driver in remediating this shortage. Further, the MAT program was previously identified as a thriving physics teacher education program in the 2018 PhysTEC study of eight exemplary programs in the United States.

 

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Photo from Suffolk County District Attorney's office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 5 the appointment of 20 new Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs). This class of ADAs will first undergo an intensive multi-week training program taught by members of the Appeals and Training Bureau before they begin their tenure in Suffolk County First District Court where they will prosecute misdemeanor crimes, gaining investigative and trial experience.

“I am pleased to announce our new class of Assistant District Attorneys who have joined the Office to serve Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “It is always an honor to see such a talented group of law school graduates eager to dedicate themselves to a career in public service.”

The 20 new ADAs are Matthew Barden, Theresa Blangiforti, Samantha Bouchard, Carl Capasso, Joanna Chalifoux, Karissa Dymond, Megan Gallagher, Karson Goggans, Allan Gremli, Ashley Hartland, Robert Hitscherich, Drew Levine, Michael Mehary, Aidan Mulderrig,  Michael Nadeau,  Darren Nieves,  Keith O’Brien,  Anthony Ranieri, Alyssa Rosenzweig and Rebecca Zerbo.

 

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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Daniel Coppola Allegedly Shot and Killed His Ex-Wife, Kelly Coppola, and Her Boyfriend, Kenneth Pohlman, Jr.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 6 that Daniel Coppola, 50, of St. James, was indicted on four counts of Murder in the First Degree, for allegedly fatally shooting Kelly Coppola, 50, and her boyfriend Kenneth Pohlman, Jr., 53, at their home in St. James.

“The defendant allegedly drove to his ex-wife’s home and fatally shot his ex-wife and her boyfriend in cold blood,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Our office takes all allegations of domestic violence seriously and we are committed to bringing justice to Kelly Coppola, Kenneth Pohlman and their loved ones. While we cannot bring Kenneth and Kelly back, we can hold this defendant responsible for his alleged actions.”

According to the investigation, late in the evening of August 28, 2024, Coppola sent text messages to an uninvolved witness located at a residence on Brasswood Road in St. James, in order to allegedly draw the witness out of the home. When the witness went outside, Coppola allegedly asked the witness where Pohlman’s bedroom was located.

Shortly afterwards, Coppola left the witness sitting in his 2021 Toyota Tundra vehicle while he walked up to the entrance of the home. Once there, he allegedly fired a black semi-automatic handgun at the keypad and front door, then forcibly entered the residence.

Coppola then allegedly fatally shot Pohlman and Coppola at the upstairs hallway of the home then fled the scene with the uninvolved witness in his vehicle. Coppola took the witness back to his home on Harbor Road, also in St. James, approximately three miles from the scene. Once back at Coppola’s home, the witness observed him take a black handgun and put it on his desk, all the while making suicidal threats. Shortly thereafter, the witness hid the handgun from the defendant and called 911.

When responding police officers arrived at Coppola’s home, they promptly placed him into custody for his own personal safety. The witness at scene directed the officers to the black semi- automatic handgun that had been earlier hidden. After further investigation, Suffolk Police were also dispatched to the Brasswood Road address, where they found visible damage to the front door that had been forced open and the couple deceased of gunshot wounds. The investigation also found that while the defendant left the scene, he did so in haste, leaving behind his sandals, one of which was found underneath Pohlman’s body.

On September 6, 2024, Coppola was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr., for four counts of Murder in the First Degree, Class A-I felonies.

Justice Senft ordered Coppola remanded during the pendency of the case. Coppola is due back in court on September 24, 2024, and faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by John Halverson, Esq. and Steven Politi, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eric S. Aboulafia of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Guido Cirenza and Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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Matthew Dickson Paid $76,237 in Restitution to the Soccer Club Prior to the Plea

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 6 that Matthew Dickson, 44, of Dix Hills, and the former Vice President and President of the Dix Hills Soccer Club, pleaded guilty today to Petit Larceny, for embezzling more than $70,000 from the club in 2022.

“This defendant executed a scheme to line his own pockets with funds that were intended to benefit children,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Today’s guilty plea not only holds him accountable for his betrayal of trust, but is also an important step towards making his victims feel whole again as my office required the defendant pay back the full amount of money to the soccer club.”

“Justice has been served for the members of our club and community,” said Dix Hills Soccer Club president Martin Targett. “We are pleased our procedures allowed us to identify the wrongdoing, and we are grateful for the professionalism and collaboration with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, between April and November 2022, Dickson was responsible for paying the bills associated with the Dix Hills Soccer Club.

During that same period, Dickson held the position of Vice President, and then later, President, of the soccer club. Instead of paying the expenses, Dickson began writing checks to himself and to his corporation from the soccer club’s account without the board of directors’ permission. Further investigation revealed that the defendant collected payments from club members through his personal Venmo account for soccer-related events, but then never deposited into the club’s bank account. Additionally, he failed to reimburse the club for expenses that he charged on the soccer club’s credit card.

On September 6, 2024, Dickson pleaded guilty to Petit Larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins. Prior to his plea, Dickson was required by prosecutors to pay $76,237 in restitution to the soccer club and write an apology letter to the board of directors. As additional conditions of his plea, Dickson will be required to serve three years of probation and complete over 400 hours of community service.

Dickson is due back in court for sentencing on November 15, 2024, and he is being represented by James Misiano, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Adriana Noyola of the Financial Crimes Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Investigator Daniel Ayrovainen of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s Financial Crimes Bureau.

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Mark your calendars! Three Village Rotary will host a Light Up Main Street fundraiser at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The evening will feature live music, food, drinks and raffles. All proceeds will go towards funding lighting up Main Street in Setauket for the holidays. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make a difference while having a great time! Ticket includes one complimentary drink, food, coffee and dessert. To purchase, visit threevillagerotary.eventbrite.com.

The event is sponsored by The Bench, Main Street Properties, Revival by Toast, Makenzie Moeller of Howard Hanna Coach Realtors, Grace Leyhane of Howard Hanna Coach Realtors, Sweet Mama’s Restaurant, Invaiatura, and Relancer Capital. For more information, call 631-988-9564.

 

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Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On September 4, Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined elected officials at the historic Longwood Estate in Ridge to welcome residents to the annual Brookhaven Town Senior Picnic. The free, two-day event was attended by more than 2000 senior guests who enjoyed food, dancing and good conversation with friends and fellow seniors. 

Councilwoman Bonner said, “The Senior Picnic is one of the most anticipated events of the summer. It’s so nice to be welcomed by friends from my council district and catch up on what’s happening in their lives.  Thanks to the Town’s Senior Division for organizing this special event every year.”  

Pictured at left are (left to right) Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney; Councilman/Deputy Town Supervisor Neil Foley; Town Clerk Kevin LaValle; New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio; New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood and Brookhaven Town Councilman Michael Loguercio.

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Police car
Suffolk County Police today arrested two women during a raid at an East Northport massage parlor on Sept. 6.

In response to numerous community complaints, Second Precinct Crime Section officers, in conjunction with the Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement, conducted an investigation into Larkfield Spa, located at 502 Larkfield Road, and arrested two women at 4:42 p.m.

Liling Gao, 47, of Flushing, was charged with one count of Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, one count of Prostitution and one count of Criminal Nuisance 2nd Degree. YiLiu Zhang, 48, of Brooklyn, was charged with one count of Unauthorized Practice of a Profession and one count of Prostitution.

The Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement observed multiple violations at the business, the investigation is ongoing. Both Gao and Zhang were issued Desk Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

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