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Yearly Archives: 2024

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

On Aug. 29 Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced three indictments charging 29 defendants on a total of 329 counts following three separate long-term joint investigations into narcotics trafficking that spanned from Brooklyn into Suffolk County.

The investigations were conducted jointly by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s East End Drug Taskforce (EEDTF), the Suffolk County Police Department, the New York State Police, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Department of Homeland Security (HSI), and the Office of Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York.

In the months that led up to the indictments, law enforcement executed search warrants of cellular telephones, residences, vehicles, and other digital sources of data.

These warrants, coupled with thousands of hours of electronic and video surveillance, resulted in the identification and subsequent investigation of multiple alleged drug dealing operations centered around the distribution of cocaine, fentanyl, xylazine, methamphetamines and heroin. These alleged drug dealing operations spanned from Brooklyn to Montauk, with significant activity in Riverhead, Patchogue, Mastic, Shirley, Ronkonkoma, Bohemia, Sound Beach, Holbrook, Brentwood, and East Islip.

The long-term investigations culminated in three indictments containing 329 total counts, which include conspiracy to distribute narcotics, operating as a major trafficker, the sale and possession of narcotics, the possession of multiple illegal firearms, attempted murder of two police officers and an assault upon another police officer.

“The scale of this operation cannot be overstated. These three indictments alleging over 300 total counts attributed to 29 defendants, represent more than just numbers – they represent a substantial blow to the illicit drug trade in our county and a significant step towards safer, healthier communities for all our residents,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Our dedicated teams have worked tirelessly to bring down several alleged interconnected drug trafficking networks that have plagued our streets for far too long. This large-scale takedown required tremendous cooperation and coordinated efforts. In addition to the great work of the East End Drug Task Force, I want to thank our law enforcement partners at the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County Sherriff’s Office, the DEA, the Department of Homeland Security, the New York State Police, the Nassau County Police Department, the Riverhead Town Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and the Office of Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York.”

“These results-driven investigations stem from a common goal of combatting narcotics trafficking in an attempt to save lives and keep our communities safe,” said Suffolk County Police Acting Commissioner Robert Waring. “It is imperative we continue to combine resources to stop individuals pumping poison into our neighborhoods because as we saw in the case of Brandon Scanlon, his threat extended to our officers and the public.”

“Today’s indictments are a testament to the unwavering dedication and collaboration of Suffolk’s law enforcement partners. We are grateful to the officers involved in this effort which put these narcotics traffickers out of business,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “Together, we are continuing to take deadly drugs off our streets and making Suffolk County a safer place.”

“Once again strong law enforcement partnerships have disrupted another illegal narcotics operation,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “The indictments of these 29 individuals will not only keep harmful narcotics off our streets, but they will also put an end to the dangerous cycle of criminal activities that threaten our neighborhoods as a result of these drugs. We will continue to work together with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to keep these harmful narcotics from infiltrating our communities.”

“The arrest and indictments of these individuals are the results of the hard work the DEA has with our federal and local law enforcement partners, including the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, when working together to target those individuals that pose a threat to our communities. The removal and seizure of these illicit narcotics, along with numerous firearms, shows the length these drug traffickers will go to poison our communities,” said DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “Today, our communities are safer with these individuals off our streets, and we will continue to work with our partners in targeting those responsible for violating our laws and trafficking these drugs into our homes.”

“Today’s announcement underscores the success of collaborative law enforcement and the direct impact it has on our communities. As stated, these defendants trafficked and distributed dangerous illegal narcotics, including fentanyl and its emerging complement, xylazine, or “Tranq,” as it is more commonly known – both of which are infiltrating Long Island communities and devastating families at an alarming rate,” said HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Darren B. McCormack. “HSI New York’s Long Island-based Transnational Crime Task Force is proud to stand alongside the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the greater law enforcement community in relentlessly confronting this deadly drug crisis.”

“I commend District Attorney Raymond Tierney, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s East End Drug Task Force and all of the partners involved in these long-term investigations,” said Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan. “The arrests and seizures of firearms, half a million dollars in assets, and significant amounts of narcotics from major local drug organizations will contribute to greater safety and security in communities across Suffolk County.”

The Indictments

People v. Salvatore Ottomanelli, et al. 15 Defendants; 142 Counts

According to the investigation, in September 2023, members of the EEDTF learned that SALVATORE OTTOMANELLI was allegedly selling cocaine and methamphetamine. After an investigation, law enforcement identified NASHA TOMLINSON as OTTOMANELLI’s alleged narcotics supplier. In addition, TOMLINSON also allegedly supplied cocaine and methamphetamines to BRANDON SCANLON, CHRISTOPHER HUDLER, JAIME MULLANE, and DAMION DIJENNARO, all of whom allegedly resold the drugs to others.

Law enforcement also identified ANDREW CROSS, and his live-in companion, JOANN BENISON, as OTTOMANELLI’s alleged suppliers of cocaine and fentanyl. Throughout their investigation, investigators identified FAMOUS WILSON, PAUL BERNARD, and GARY MORROW, as CROSS’ alleged narcotics suppliers.

On April 4, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at an apartment in Bohemia which was allegedly used by TOMLINSON, SCANLON, HUDLER, MULLANE, and DIJENNARO as a stash house to sell cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine. SCANLON allegedly fled the location in his vehicle and struck a Suffolk County Police officer in order to evade capture. Scanlon then allegedly fired multiple shots at law enforcement when they attempted to stop him. Scanlon led law enforcement on an extended vehicle pursuit. He fired multiple shots at law enforcement when they attempted to stop him and eventually crashed his minivan on the Sunrise Highway service road, Bayshore.

During a search of the vehicle that SCANLON allegedly fled in, law enforcement recovered a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol, cocaine, and fentanyl. At the execution of another search warrant at an alleged stash house in Sound Beach, law enforcement recovered an additional 100 grams of fentanyl, 42 grams of cocaine, 112 grams of crystal methamphetamine and an AK-47.

TOMLINSON allegedly continued to sell narcotics at additional alleged stash houses, despite the execution of the search warrant.

On May 15, 2024, during the execution of a search warrant at OTTOMANELLI’s residence in East Islip, law enforcement allegedly seized eight individually wrapped bags of methamphetamine weighing over 226 grams, multiple cellphones, drug paraphernalia including scales, and five magazines.

On May 16, 2024, after the execution of a search warrant at the alleged stash house in Amityville, TIMOTHY FLYTHE and JOHN HICKSON, were allegedly found in possession of a .45 caliber Glock semi-automatic pistol with a 13-round magazine, and a .40 caliber Glock pistol with a high- capacity 22 round magazine. Additionally, three industrial sized kilogram presses were also recovered at this location.

That same day, May 16, 2024, TOMLINSON was arrested at his residence in Brentwood. During a search of his residence, TOMLINSON was allegedly found in possession of 759 grams of xylazine, 688 grams of cocaine, 67 grams of crack cocaine, 149 grams of fentanyl, 27 grams of crystal meth, cash, and drug paraphernalia.

Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful tranquilizer used by veterinarians to relax or sedate large animals such as cattle or horses. In humans, it is known to depress breathing and slow a person’s heart rate, lower their blood pressure, and cause unconsciousness and death. Xylazine has recently been found in the Long Island and New York City drug supply. It is commonly mixed with fentanyl and other drugs to prolong or enhance their effects. According to the DEA, xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures place users at a higher risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning.

Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse its effects. Still, experts always recommend administering naloxone if someone might be suffering a drug overdose. People who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine also can develop severe wounds, including necrosis – the rotting of human tissue – that may lead to serious complications including amputation. Although a number of states have classified xylazine as a controlled substance, New York State does not yet classify xylazine as a controlled substance.

People v. Carlos Reyes-Redrovan, et al. 12 Defendants; 113 counts

According to the investigation, in August 2023, CARLOS REYES-REDROVAN, also known as “Ghost,” approached off-duty undercover officers at a bar in Center Moriches. REYES- REDROVAN allegedly offered the officers a sample of cocaine that he was selling, and provided them with his cell phone number.

Following an investigation and undercover purchases, law enforcement established that REYES- REDROVAN allegedly had multiple narcotics suppliers who supplied him with cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.

REYES-REDROVAN’s alleged cocaine suppliers were AKIM SLATER, CHRISTOPHER MEJIA-ACOSTA, and XAVIER CALDERON. REYES-REDROVAN’s alleged heroin suppliers were JASON VELEZ-LOPEZ and JUAN CHIVATA-VELEZ. REYES-REDROVAN’s alleged fentanyl suppliers were FRANK MUHAMMED, WAYNE BRISTEL, and DAVID BROWN.

On June 18, 2024, law enforcement executed search warrants at four locations including the residences of BROWN and BRISTEL. Police allegedly recovered approximately $41,000 cash, a 20-gauge Remington pump-action shotgun, digital scales, six cell phones, and substances that were identified as narcotic dilutants.

On June 20, 2024, REYES-REDROVAN allegedly arranged for the sale of approximately 300 grams of heroin for $10,000 with an undercover officer. When the undercover officer arrived at the pre-determined meet location, REYES-REDROVAN entered the undercover’s vehicle and allegedly sold the officer the heroin. Prior to the alleged sale, REYES-REDROVAN arrived to the location in a vehicle with VELEZ-LOPEZ and CHIVATA-VELEZ. At the time of their arrest, REYES-REDROVAN, VELEZ-LOPEZ, and CHIVATA-VELEZ were allegedly found in possession of cocaine and ketamine, both packaged in a manner consistent with an intent to sell.

On July 2, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at SLATER’s residence in Ronkonkoma, where they allegedly recovered a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, cocaine, and five digital scales.

During the course of the entire investigation, the defendants allegedly made a total of 25 narcotics sales to undercover officers. From those sales, law enforcement recovered approximately 1,075 grams of cocaine, approximately 613 grams of heroin, and approximately 500 grams of fentanyl.

People v. Alexandr Dyatchin and Michael Khodorkovsky 2 Defendants; 74 counts

According to the investigation, between July 2023 and August 2024, ALEXANDR DYATCHIN and MICHAEL KHODORKOVSKIY allegedly trafficked cocaine and MDMA from Brooklyn to East Hampton and Montauk, for the purpose of selling it. During the investigation, undercover officers contacted the defendants to arrange for the purchase of cocaine. The defendants allegedly sold the significant quantities of cocaine to the undercover officers on multiple occasions, including four instances in which two ounces of cocaine was sold. During narcotics sales which allegedly occurred near KHODORKOVSKIY’s apartment in Brooklyn, undercover officers learned that the drugs were going to be transported to Suffolk County for sale.

On August 2, 2024, law enforcement arrested both defendants. At the time of his arrest, KHODORKOVSKIY was allegedly found in possession of a kilo and a half of cocaine.

KHODORKOVSKIY’s Mercedes also allegedly contained multiple hidden compartments, also known as “traps,” which were filled with additional cocaine and pills. DYATCHIN’s Mercedes also allegedly contained a trap with over 50 glassine envelopes of cocaine, indicative of an intent to sell.

At the time of his arrest, KHODORKOVSKIY allegedly possessed 203 grams of cocaine destined for Suffolk County. Additionally, law enforcement allegedly recovered $38,550 dollars in cash and 39 gold coins with an estimated value of $100,000 from KHODORKOVSKIY’s Brooklyn apartment during the execution of a search warrant. Law enforcement allegedly recovered over 589 grams of cocaine, 269 grams of MDMA, and $19,046 dollars in cash from DYATCHIN’s East Hampton home during the execution of a search warrant. The cocaine that was recovered from DYATCHIN’s home was allegedly divided up into over 1,000 individual packages, indicative of an intent to sell.

Indictment Charges

People v. Salvatore Ottomanelli, et al.

  1. SALVATORE OTTOMANELLI, 41, of East Islip, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On August 13, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered OTTOMANELLI held on $1,000,000 cash, $3,000,000 bond, or $5,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. OTTOMANELLI is due back in court on October 10, 2024, and faces up to eight to 20 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Peter Giattino, Esq.
  2. BRANDON SCANLON, 33, of Bohemia, faces a top count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, a Class A-I violent felony. On August 14, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro, who ordered SCANLON remanded during the pendency of the case. SCANLON is due back in court on October 3, 2024, and faces 40 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Ian Fitzgerald, Esq.
  1. NASHA TOMLINSON, 47, of Brentwood, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On May 30, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered TOMLINSON held on $10,000,000 cash, $20,000,000 bond, or $50,000,000 partially secured bond. On August 26, 2024, TOMLINSON was arraigned on a superseding indictment, and Justice Ambro continued the prior bail conditions during the pendency of his case. TOMLINSON is due back in court on October 4, 2024, and faces up to 15 to 30 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented John Russo, Esq.
  2. CHISTOPHER HUDLER, 37, of Bohemia, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class A-II felony. On April 19, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered HUDLER held on $500,000 cash, $2,000,000 bond, or $5,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. HUDLER is due back in court on September 5, 2024, to be arraigned on a superseding indictment, and faces up to six to 14 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Keith O’Halloran, Esq.
  3. JOHN HICKSON, 47, of Amityville, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. On June 26, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered HICKSON be placed on supervised release with GPS conditions. On August 26, 2024, HICKSON was arraigned on a superseding indictment, and Justice Ambro continued the prior bail conditions during the pendency of his case. HICKSON is due back in court on October 4, 2024, and faces up to 12 1⁄2 to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Kevin Maccarone, Esq.
  4. TIMOTHY FLYTHE, 42, of Amityville, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. On August 26, 2024, FLYTHE was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered that he be held on $750,000 cash, $1,000,000 bond, or $5,000,0000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. FLYTHE is due back in court on October 4, 2024, and faces up to 12 1⁄2 to 25 years in prison years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Michael Elbert, Esq.
  1. JAIME MULLANE, 29, of Sound Beach, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. On August 16, 2024, MULLANE was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered that she be held on $10,000 cash, $20,000 bond, or $100,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. MULLANE is due back in court on September 5, 2024, and faces up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count. She is being represented by Calvin Saunders, Esq.
  2. DAMION DIJENNARO, 55, of Bohemia, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. DIJENNARO is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on September 10, 2024, and faces up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Toni Marie Angeli, Esq.
  3. MOSHE ATZMON, 48, of Copiague, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. On August 19, 2024, ATZMON was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered ATZMON be released on his own recognizance during the pendency of the case. ATZMON is due back in court on October 9, 2024, and faces up to eight and one-third to 25 years in prison years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.
  4. ANDREW CROSS, 45, of Islip Terrace, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On June 27, 2024, CROSS was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered that he be held on $75,0000 cash, $2,000,000 bond, or $5,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. On August 22, 2024, Cross was arraigned on a superceding indictment, and Justice Ambro continued the prior bail conditions during the pendency of his case. CROSS is due back in court on October 2, 2024, and faces up to 12 1⁄2 to 25 years in prison years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Oscar Crisafio, Esq.
  1. GARY MORROW, 41, of Central Islip, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On May 8, 2024, MORROW was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered that he be held on $350,000 cash, $800,000 bond, or $1,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. On August 19, 2024, MORROW was arraigned on a superceding indictment, and Justice Ambro continued the prior bail conditions during the pendency of his case. MORROW is due back in court on October 2, 2024, and faces up to 15 to 30 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Sean Dixon, Esq.
  2. PAUL BERNARD, 30, of Bay Shore, faces a top count Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On August 15, 2024, BERNARD was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered BERNARD be held on $750,000 cash, $2,000,000 bond, or $5,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. BERNARD is due back in court on October 3, 2024, and faces up to eight to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Scott Zerner, Esq.
  3. FAMOUS WILSON, 26, of Central Islip, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On June 26, 2024, WILSON was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered he be held on $500,000 cash, $1,500,000 bond, or $3,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. WILSON is due back in court on September 3, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Chauncey Henry, Esq.
  4. JOANN BENISON, 35, of Lindenhurst, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. BENISON is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on August 29, 2024, and faces up to 12 1⁄2 to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count. She is being represented by Christopher Cassar, Esq.

   15. ADAM SHEBESKI, 38, of Sound Beach, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. SHEBESKI is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment September 5, 2024, and faces 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Richard Kaufman, Esq.

People v. Carlos Reyes-Redrovan et al.

  1. CARLOS REYES-REDROVAN, 31, of Philadelphia, formerly of Riverhead, faces a top count of Operating as a Major Drug Trafficker, a Class A-I felony. On July 30, 2024, REYES-REDROVAN was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski, who ordered that he be held on $1,500,000 cash or $3,000,000 bond during the pendency of the case. REYES-REDROVAN is due back in court on September 12, 2024, and faces up to life in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Ian Fitzgerald, Esq.
  2. VANESSA VALADEZ, 38, of Flanders, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On July 29, 2024, VALADEZ was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered that she be held on $1,500,000 cash, $3,000,000 bond, or $10,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. VALDEZ is due back in court on September 6, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count. She is being represented by Toni Marie Angeli, Esq.
  3. AKIM SLATER, 45, of Ronkonkoma, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On July 31, 2024, SLATER was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered that he be held on $2,000,000 cash, $3,000,000 bond, or $20,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. SLATER is due back in court on September 18, 2024, and faces 30 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Robert Macedonio, Esq.
  1. ROQUE CAMEY-ESTRADA, 35, of Riverhead, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. On August 7, 2024, CAMEY-ESTRADA was arraigned on the indictment before County Court Judge Philip Goglas, who ordered that ESTRADA be placed on supervised release with narcotics conditions during the pendency of the case. ESTRADA is due back in court on September 9, 2024, and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.
  2. XAVIER CALDERON, 30, of Brooklyn, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On July 29, 2024, CALDERON was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered that CALDERON be placed held on supervised release with narcotics and search conditions during the pendency of the case. CALDERON is due back in court on August 22, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Lance Lazzaro, Esq.
  3. CHRISTOPHER MEJIA-ACOSTA, 29, of Queens, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On July 30, 2024, MEJIA- ACOSTA was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered that MEJIA-ACOSTA be placed held on supervised release with narcotics and search conditions during the pendency of the case. MEJIA-ACOSTA is due back in court on September 5, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Lance Lazzaro, Esq.
  4. JASON VELEZ-LOPEZ, 32, of Queens, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On July 30, 2024, VELEZ-LOPEZ was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered that VELEZ-LOPEZ be placed held on supervised release with narcotics and search conditions during the pendency of the case. VELEZ-LOPEZ is due back in court on September 6, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Alexander Sklavos, Esq.
  1. MAEGAN THOMAS, 40, of Ronkonkoma, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On August 7, 2024, THOMAS was arraigned on the indictment before Judge Goglas, who ordered her be held on $50,000 cash, $150,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. THOMAS is due back in court on September 17, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count. She is being represented by Michael Brown, Esq.
  2. JUAN CHIVATA-VELEZ, 29, of Queens, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On July 31, 2024, CHIVATA- VELEZ was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered that CHIVATA-VELEZ be placed held on supervised release with narcotics and search conditions during the pendency of the case. CHIVATA-VELEZ is due back in court on September 18, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by John Fink, Esq.
  3. FRANK MUHAMMAD, 36, of Mastic, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On July 30, 2024, MUHAMMAD was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered him held on $3,000,000 cash, $6,000,000 bond or $30,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. MUHAMMAD is due back in court on August 22, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Carl Irace, Esq.
  4. WAYNE BRISTEL, 39, of Bellport, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On July 30, 2024, BRISTEL was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered him held on $1,000,000 cash, $2,000,000 bond, or $10,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. BRISTEL is due back in court on September 12, 2024, and faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by John Halverson, Esq.
  5. DAVID BROWN, 42, of Shirley, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On August 5, 2024, BROWN was arraigned on the indictment before Judge Goglas, who ordered him held on $500,000 cash, $2,500,000 bond, or $5,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. BROWN is due back in court on September 6, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Danielle Papa, Esq.

People v. Alexandr Dyatchin and Michael Khodorkovskiy

  1. MICHAEL KHODORKOVSKIY, 44, of Brooklyn, also known as Michael Khodorkovsky, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On August 16, 2024, KHODORKOVSKIY was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered him held on $2,000,000 cash, $5,000,000 bond, or $20,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. KHODORKOVSKIY is due back in court on September 10, 2024, and faces up 24 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Tony Mirvis, Esq.
  2. ALEXANDR DYATCHIN, 38, of East Hampton, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. On August 16, 2024, DYATCHIN was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered him held on $2,000,000 cash, $5,000,000 bond, or $20,000,000 partially secured bondduring the pendency of the case. DYATCHIN is due back in court on September 23, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Kenneth Russo, Esq.

The investigations were conducted by Detectives from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s EEDTF and Detectives from the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney Squad, Narcotics Section, and TRACE Unit.

The EEDTF is comprised of District Attorney Investigators, and members of the East Hampton Town Police Department, the New York State Police, the Riverhead Police Department, the Southold Police Department, the Southampton Town Police Department, the New York State Police’s Narcotics Section, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jake Kubetz, Alyssa Costantino, Gabriella DeRosa, William Nash, and Robert Archer of the Narcotics Bureau. The civil asset forfeiture action is being litigated by the Asset Forfeiture and Intelligence Bureau.

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Do you recognize this woman? Photo from SCPD
Do you recognize this woman? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the woman who allegedly stole a purse from a Medford store.

A woman allegedly stole a purse left on a display table by a customer at Target, located at 2975 Horseblock Road, on August 25 at approximately 4:20 p.m. The purse contained $200. She fled in a black SUV.

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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File photo

Suffolk County Police arrested a man on Sept. 1 under Leandra’s Law for allegedly driving while intoxicated in Smithtown with an 11-year-old child in the vehicle.

Terrance Brown was driving a 2003 Nissan Altima westbound on Veterans Memorial Highway with his girlfriend and her 11-year-old son in the vehicle when he went through a red light at the intersection of Old Willets Path and nearly crashed into a marked Suffolk County Police Third Precinct Patrol vehicle traveling southbound at approximately 9:15 p.m.

The officers in the police vehicle pulled the Nissan over and determined Brown was intoxicated. It was also determined that the license plates on the Nissan had previously been reported stolen.

Brown, 45, of Jamaica, Queens was charged with alleged Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger 15 Years Old or Younger (Leandra’s Law), Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th Degree.

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By Steve Englebright

In the dark early morning hours of Aug. 19, almost 11 inches of rain descended like a cataract upon the central North Shore of Long Island. The storm then crossed into Connecticut where it killed two people and destroyed numerous bridges and roads.

The paved roads and impermeable surfaces within the catchment of Stony Brook Mill Pond caused it to immediately flood. This deluge then spilled over the top of that part of Harbor Road which capped the artificial earthen dam adjacent to the National Register of Historic Places-listed circa 1751 mill. Floodwater poured uncontrollably over the road, creating a thunderous curtain that plunged into the marine side of the dam, quickly and severely eroding its base. The dam failed, and the pond emptied catastrophically into Stony Brook Harbor.

The boundaries of two towns, one incorporated village and one hamlet all meet at this location. In the aftermath of this catastrophe, it is important for each of these governing units as well as all other elements of the community to quickly come together in support of a single plan of restorative action. Fortunately, President Joe Biden has heeded the call of local governments, including Suffolk County, to declare this site a federal disaster area. Much-needed federal dollars may now follow. This precious funding can be wisely utilized, presuming that everyone is cooperating. One of the challenges now before all of us is to find commonality and consensus. In particular, we must reconcile the interests of historic preservation and environmental protection so that they are aligned and mutually supportive within a thoughtfully engineered plan.

Some have wondered if it may be appropriate to leave the breached dam unreconstructed purposefully. Several threshold questions arise from this thought: 

• Should we allow the recently unconstrained Stony Brook Creek to continue to flow freely and allow recovery of natural processes such as the breeding activities of the herring-like fish known as the alewife? 

• What course of action would provide the greatest overall environmental benefit? 

• Would the nationally significant cultural treasure that is the Stony Brook Grist Mill have diminished relevance without its historic impoundment?

 Reasons for restoration

This author would argue strongly for restoration of Stony Brook Mill Pond for reasons that embrace both environmental and historic preservation purposes. These include:

• More than 90% of the Stony Brook Harbor is tidally-influenced salt water. Freshwater habitats within the harbor are rare and enhance its biodiversity. Prior to the dam’s breach, the largest surface freshwater feature of the entire harbor was Stony Brook Mill Pond. Allowing this scarce resource to remain permanently reduced would significantly subtract from this ecosystem’s vibrancy and health.

• The Stony Brook Mill Pond Basin uniquely joins Main Street with the Avalon Preserve — arguably the finest nature center in New York state. This geographic juxtaposition created a remarkable outdoor education classroom that enabled thousands of children and families to directly experience nature. It would be most unfortunate to compromise or lose the open water and aesthetic appeal of this site which could, if restored, continue effectively to foster for each next generation an ethic of learning and respect for the environment. 

• The Mill Pond helped keep the Stony Brook Harbor clean. This relatively-unspoiled harbor’s water chemistry was maintained, in part, by the fact that the Mill Pond acted as a sediment trap and contaminant settlement basin that intercepted substances in road runoff that would otherwise have flowed directly into the harbor. 

• The continued existence of two significant rookeries on the edge of Stony Brook Mill Pond featuring, respectively, cormorants and herons would be uncertain if the pond is not restored.

• While some fish species, such as alewife, might theoretically benefit from a free flowing Stony Brook, it is unknown if this site would support a significant run for such fish. 

• Suffolk County’s largest industry is tourism, and Stony Brook Mill Pond and Grist Mill combine to create a major magnet attracting and welcoming visitors to Old Stony Brook and its vicinity. Any decision to delay reconstruction of the Mill Pond dam could compromise the sense of place of Old Stony Brook. Loss of these landmarks in pursuit of limited or speculative environmental improvements could create significant community resentment, which would only detract from other preservation efforts

Reconstruction of Harbor Road and Mill Pond dam

It is useful to note that the dam at the north end of Setauket’s Frank Melville Memorial Park was subjected to the same storm event and did not rupture. The apparent reason for this is because that dam is armored with cement on its seaward side. Reconstruction of Harbor Road at Stony Brook Mill Pond should proceed expeditiously and be built in like kind to what was there previously except that the reconstructed dam should be armored on its seaward-side in a manner similar to the construction of its sister site in the Frank Melville Memorial Park.

We are fortunate that this event did not cause loss of human life, and that our volunteer first responders were unharmed. Another takeaway from this catastrophe is that its effects would have been worse if the proposed extensive construction of impermeable surfaces already existed on three large properties in the immediate watershed area, i.e., Flowerfield, Bull Run Farm and a former private school.

This ruinous flood should be a wake-up call for planners as they consider these and other intensive development proposals within the immediate watershed of Stony Brook Harbor and its Mill Pond. Going forward, this recent flood event should be top of mind — land use decisions here should reflect awareness, restraint and caution. Although we can hope that the unusual storm that eroded the Mill Pond dam at its base is not a new normal, exceptionally destructive weather events are occurring much more frequently than in the past. A similar torrential flood could occur at any time.

We should restore Stony Brook’s historic Mill Pond and, by extension, also preserve that extraordinary harbor and its namesake community.

Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) is the Suffolk County legislator for the 5th Legislative District and a former New York State Assemblyman.

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A Grant’s zebra at the Long Island Game Farm. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability has had a successful first year of connecting people with wildlife and the natural environment. From new internship and volunteer programs to specialized programs for children, seniors, and animal lovers of all ages, and more, the nonprofit’s mission is strengthened by their support of Long Island Game Farm.

In celebration of their achievements and to raise funds for upcoming initiatives, the foundation is hosting Twilight in the Wild gala on Thursday, September 12 at 5 p.m. at the game farm. Details and tickets for this second annual fundraising event are on sale now at wildlifesustainability.org/fundraiser.

The evening will feature music by the acclaimed Chicago tribute band, Make Me Smile, on the newly renovated Susan M. Novak stage, encounters with Long Island Game Farm animals, beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres, an art auction with work created by some of the animals, and more.

“We’re looking forward to our second annual fundraiser at Long Island Game Farm, and we’re particularly excited to dance to the music of Make Me Smile on the Susan M. Novak stage,” shares foundation executive direction Patricia Snyder. “The stage renovation was made possible by a grant from Suffolk County as part of the JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program in 2023. We’re so thrilled to see the stage completed and being used now for a number of activities and performances.”

Since the foundation’s first fundraiser last September, the organization has accomplished many of its goals, including:

  • Introducing the Senior Social Club, a biweekly socialization program for senior citizens
  • Expanding Long Island Game Farm’s Camp Zoo program and introducing a scholarship program forlow-income families
  • Supporting the efforts of the Long Island Game Farm to renovate the amphitheater to a 300-500 seatstage suitable for concerts, animal shows, and performances, funded by Suffolk County as part of the JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the stage was held on Thursday, July 18.
  • Supporting the efforts of the Long Island Game Farm to develop a Universal Access Trail, allowing for a woodland experience for all mobilities
  • Developing a summer intern program for college students pursuing, veterinary studies, biology, and environmental studies
  • Developing the Good Friends Volunteer Corps program to bring a diverse group of individuals to help with tasks at the Long Island Game Farm, including working with animals that have been rescued, rehomed, and rehabilitated
  • Welcoming Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops to develop and implement upper-level projects at the Long Island Game Farm
  • Hosting a Family Fun Day on August 22 with a full day of interactive activities, music, storytelling, and community information booths.

“The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability’s work has created and expanded some incredible programs for the community,” shares Long Island Game Farm president Melinda Novak. “Being able to increase access to our senior citizens, low-income families, persons with limited mobility, and other individuals that love animals and nature as much as we do has been amazing to witness. All of these programs complement our own work in offering families a natural environment where they can learn about wildlife and animals through education and entertainment.”

Tickets are $150 per person. The lead sponsor is the Dobler Family Foundation. Additional sponsorships are available. Ticket sales support the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability and its mission to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences, and to support the work of the Long Island Game Farm. Learn more at wildlifesustainability.org/fundraiser.

ABOUT LONG ISLAND GAME FARM
Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park and Children’s Zoo was founded in 1970 by Stanley and Diane Novak. As the largest combined children’s zoo and wildlife park on Long Island, they offer families a natural environment where they can learn about wildlife and animals through education and entertainment. A member of American Association of Zookeepers and Zoological Association of America, the farm is located at 489 Chapman Boulevard, Manorville, New York 11949. For more information, visit longislandgamefarm.com, email [email protected], or call 631.878.6644. Find Long Island Game Farm on Instagram and Facebook at @longislandgamefarm.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR WILDLIFE SUSTAINABILITY
The mission of the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc. is to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences, and to support the work of the Long Island Game Farm. For more information, visit wildlifesustainability.org, or contact executive director Tricia Snyder at [email protected].

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File photo

Suffolk County arrested a man on Sept. 1 after he allegedly took pictures of a young girl as she changed her clothes in a dressing room of a Commack store.

William Veitch-Canete was working as an employee at Burlington, located at 108 Veterans Memorial Highway, when he reached his cell phone under a changing room door and took pictures of a 10-year- girl as she changed her clothes at approximately 9:15 p.m.

The girl saw the cell phone and told her parents, who were also in the store. The parents confronted Veitch-Cante, and then called the police. Fourth Precinct Patrol officers arrived at the scene and placed Veitch-Cante in custody.

Fourth Squad detectives charged Veitch-Cante, 27, of Commack, with Unlawful Surveillance 2nd Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.

The investigation is continuing. Detectives are asking anyone with additional information or if you believe you are a victim to call the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452.

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Reenactors on the grounds of the Three Village Historical Society during Culper Spy Day on Sept. 10. Photo by Joseph Cali

By Heidi Sutton

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Three Village Historical Society and Tri-Spy Tours will host a Revolutionary event — Culper Spy Day. Made possible by title sponsor Heritage Spy Ring Golf Club, it’s the event that every history buff looks forward to.

Now in its 10th year, the annual event is the brainchild of Margo Arceri, who first heard about Washington’s Setauket spies (including her favorite spy Anna Smith Strong) from her Strong’s Neck neighbor and local historian, Kate W. Strong, in the early 1970s. 

Meet Big Bill the Tory at the Sherwood-Jayne Farm on Sept. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Photo courtesy of Preservation Long Island

“My love of history grew from there,” said Arceri who today runs Tri-Spy Tours offering walking, bike and kayak tours of the Setauket area. “Everywhere you turn in the Three Villages you are looking at an artifact, and as the historical society believes, the community is our museum and I would really love to put that on the forefront of people’s minds. History is constantly evolving and new information is being discovered everyday. We don’t know what is waiting to be unearthed next and that fills me with excitement.”

The day of spy-related tours and activities was named for the Culper Spy Ring founded by Benjamin Tallmadge of Setauket, which provided General George Washington the information he needed to turn the tide of the American Revolution.

On Culper Spy Day, you will have the chance to visit the places where history was made and visit with area groups to learn about the patriots who risked their lives. 

Visitors can enjoy docent-led tours of historic homes, churches and cemeteries; Colonial cooking demonstrations; Anna Smith Strong’s famed clothesline; and a Revolutionary War encampment and musket firing drills by several militia groups.

There are plenty of children’s activities too including a children’s story hour, a potato sack race, an epic scavenger hunt, invisible ink demonstrations decoding spy names, sending wax sealed letters, making colonial crafts, and building a scale model timber frame house alongside Abraham Woodhull. 

In addition, Revolutionary War artifacts, including George Washington’s original letters to members of his spy ring will be on display in the Stony Brook University Library Special Collections. View a rare surviving letter dated November 8, 1779, between Benjamin Tallmadge and Robert Townsend at the Long Island Museum and explore their  world-famous carriage collection, with ties to Long Island’s Revolutionary War history 

Visitors will have a chance to meet Abraham Woodhull, Big Bill the Tory and Anna Smith Strong as well. 

See history come to life with this self-guided interactive tour spanning the Three Villages and beyond! Start your adventure at the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket and then visit participating locations including the Sherwood-Jayne Farm, Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum, The Long Island Museum, Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, Caroline Episcopal Church, Setauket Presbyterian Church, Setauket Neighborhood House, Patriots Rock, and Stony Brook University. The Setauket Elementary School’s auditorium will also be open for a special viewing of the Vance Locke murals depicting the founding of the Town of Brookhaven. 

All events are free with the exception of the Sherwood-Jayne Farm house tour ($5 adults, free for ages 17 and under) and the award-winning Spies! exhibit at the Three Village Historical Society. Build your own Revolutionary War story and see history come to life at this fun-filled event. For more information, call 631-751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org for a full schedule of events.

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*New this year will be a Culper  5K Race/Walk on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 9 a.m. Presented by Strong Island Running Club and sponsored by the Three Village Dads Foundation, the event will support the Dominick-Crawford Barn History & Education Center. Racers can trace the footsteps of the spies starting at the TVHS Headquarters, through the Old Setauket Historic District, up through battle fields and farmlands, around the churches, past pre-Revolutionary homes, and back to the Museum. Tickets are $30 adults, $10 kids fun run. Sign up at tvhs.org/5k.

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METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION PHOTO
Processed meats increase health risks

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

For many, Labor Day weekend signals the beginning of a regular ritual of making school lunches or, for those of us who work from an office, our own lunches. Sandwiches are typical fare, because they travel well and are easy to handle.

Unfortunately, common sandwich ingredients, including processed meats, are increasingly implicated as potential causes of diseases, including several cancers, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Processed meats are those that have been cured, salted, fermented or smoked. Turkey and roast beef were often in my lunch box when I was growing up. The prevailing thought at the time was that deli meats made without artificial nitrates, nitrites and preservatives were healthy. Unfortunately, more recent studies show otherwise.

According to a study in the European Journal of Epidemiology, high processed meat intake was positively associated with risk of breast, colorectal, colon, rectal, and lung cancers (1).

Increased stroke risk

In a large, prospective cohort study, results showed a 23 percent increased risk of stroke in men who consumed the most processed meats (2). Deli meats, including low-fat turkey, ham and bologna, considered healthy by some, were implicated. The 40,291 Swedish participants were followed for about ten years.

The increased risk could be attributed potentially to higher sodium content in processed meats. Another mechanism could be nitrates and nitrites. Interestingly, participants were mostly healthy, except for the processed meats. Thus, processed meats could interfere with the benefits of a heart-healthy diet, according to the authors.

Increased cancer risk

In the large prospective Multiethnic Cohort Study, there was a 68 percent increased risk of pancreatic cancer in participants who consumed the highest amounts of processed meats compared to the lowest (3). Participants were followed for seven years. The authors believe that carcinogenic substances in meat preparation, not necessarily fat or saturated fat, were the reason for increased risk. Pancreatic cancer is deadly, since most patients don’t have symptoms; therefore, it’s not discovered until its very late stages.

Processed meats also increase the risk of colorectal cancer. In a meta-analysis, there was an increased risk of 14 percent per every 100 grams, or 3.5 ounces (approximately one serving) of processed meat per day (4). Two slices of deli meat are equal to one serving. A deli’s turkey sandwich often includes about five servings of processed meat in one meal. 

In the EPIC trial, a prospective study with more than 420,000 participants, processed meats increased the risk of colorectal cancer by 35 percent (5). The absolute risk of developing colorectal cancer was 71 percent over ten years for those who were age 50.

Other cancers implicated in processed meats include lung, liver and esophageal cancers, with increased risks ranging from 20-60 percent according to the NIH AARP Diet and Health study (6). A separate analysis of the EPIC trial showed that there was a greater than two times increased risk of esophageal cancer with processed meats (7).

Type 2 Diabetes risk

In one of the most prestigious and largest meta-analyses involving the Health Professionals’ Follow-up Study and the Nurses’ Health Study I and II, results demonstrated a 32 percent increased risk of type 2 diabetes in participants who had a one-serving increase of processed meat consumption per day (8). This data was highly statistically significant and involved over four million years of cumulative follow-up. Interestingly, the authors estimate that replacing processed meat with one serving of nuts, low-fat dairy and whole grains would reduce risk substantially.

Other lunchbox options

Consider making bowls that include greens, grilled vegetables, healthy grains and beans. These can be prepared in a batch and distributed among lunch-sized containers that can be grabbed from the refrigerator when preparing lunches. If you want to include meat, add small cubes of unprocessed meat you’ve prepared yourself, which can lower your sodium and nitrate consumption.

References:

(1) Eur J Epidemiol. 2021 Sep;36(9):937-951. (2) Am J Clinical Nut. 2011;94 (2):417-421. (3) J Natl Cancer Inst 2005;97 (19): 1458-1465. (4) PLoS One. 2011;6 (6):e20456. (5) J Natl Cancer Inst. 2005 Jun 15;97 (12):906-16. (6) PLoS Med. 2007 Dec;4 (12):e325. (7) J Natl Cancer Inst. 2006 Mar 1;98 (5):345-54. (8) Am J Clinical Nutrition 2011;94 (4): 1088-1096.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.

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Runners head down Main Street during the annual SOLES for All Souls 5K Race/2K Walk. Photo courtesy of Dan Kerr

By Dan Kerr

Many believe Stanford White was the greatest American architect and the end of the 1800s. His gift to Stony Brook Village, All Souls Church, has stood on the hill overlooking Main Street since 1896. All Souls was there long before Ward Melville forever changed the village in 1941, and the simple beauty of the building and the interior have remained true to Stanford White’s original vision. 

Life expectancy in the United States back then was less than 50 years, and accessibility for the elderly and/or handicapped was not part of the design. 

The historical church is open for prayer and reflection every day. In addition to its Episcopal services on Sunday, All Souls offers ecumenical services every Tuesday and Wednesday, and hosts monthly concerts, poetry readings and Native American Drumming for the community at large. On Sunday, October 6th, the 16th annual SOLES for All Souls 5K Race/2K Walk will celebrate the role of the National Landmark chapel in the community and raise funds to make it accessible to all.

All Souls warden Herb Mones has been leading the accessibility project and has been guided by local historical architect John Cunniffe. Jazz Loft Director Tom Manuel has observed “Being a steward of a historic property is a real privilege, but it can also be a challenge to balance historical integrity and aesthetics with modern day expectations. I am more than confident that the team involved with making All Souls Church accessible will find that balance and accomplish something that is long overdue. We are blessed to have such a collaborative community of people entrusted with our historic places.” 

SOLES For All Souls is the most inclusive Race/Walk on Long Island. Serious runners compete for gold, bronze, and silver medals in age groups from under 13 to over 80 and receive their hard-won medals in an Olympic-style awards ceremony. Dogs are welcome to accompany their masters and students from Stony Brook University and others often come in costume. Senior citizens with walking sticks line up at the starting line along with parents pushing their kids in strollers. 

Long time Stony Brook resident and previous gold medal winner for the 70+ age group Dick Halluska shared, “I like running in the SOULS for All Souls race because it offers a challenge and a reward. The biggest challenge is running up Hollow Road. The reward, if you are patient, is twofold. The first is being able to enjoy the beauty of Stony Brook Village as you jog along the quiet streets and past the harbor, and the second is knowing your efforts and contributions are supporting a worthy cause.”

Overall 2022 and 2023 female winner Christa Denmom said, “I’ve truly enjoyed this race over the last few years as it runs through many of my favorite locations in Stony Brook Village. On top of being a great race, it always brings out great people with an inspiring and friendly 5K atmosphere. 

Port Jefferson Station resident Margaret Kennedy stated “I look forward to this race every year, eager to see familiar faces and the creative costumes. It is the camaraderie and fellowship that keeps us coming back to collect a new color in our t-shirt rainbow. Everyone is welcome, whether running up the challenging hill or walking with a team. This race is truly a labor of love.” 

The event is also a food drive for St. Gerard Majella’s food pantry. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine is a staunch supporter. “SOLES for All Souls 5K is a tremendous community event that brings our residents together while helping our neighbors who are in need. I encourage runners and walkers of all ages to support this wonderful cause and participate in the Lend a Hand, Bring a Can food drive.” 

Suffolk County Poet Laureate Deborah Hauser looks forward to this year’s race. “This event combines two of my passions: running and activism. I admire All Souls Church’s commitment to the community and support its mission to make the church accessible to all. If my knee recovers in time, I hope to be the first poet to run the race. Whether I run or walk, I am looking forward to participating and contributing to the food drive.”

Registration for SOLES for All Souls 5K Race/2K Walk is through the ACTIVE.COM website (Search: SOLES for All Souls) or register on the Race Day — October 6. The Registration desk at the Reboli Center for Art & History at 64 Main Street will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m; the starting bell is at 9 a.m. Complimentary pre and post event stretching will be provided by Progressive Personal Training. Local band The North Shore Rockers will perform throughout the morning. 

Please call 631-655-7798 for more information about the event or if you would like to be a sponsor. Donations dedicated to the Handicap Accessibility Project should be mailed to All Souls Race, P.O. Box 548, Stony Brook, NY 11790.

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