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Yearly Archives: 2024

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Just released! Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precent Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole merchandise twice from the same East Setauket store in May.

A man allegedly stole garden tools, valued at $610, from Walmart, located at 3990 Nesconset Highway, on May 24 at 5:28 p.m. The man returned to the store at 6:30 p.m. and allegedly stole assorted merchandise valued at $531.

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

Nashawn Legros Allegedly Shot the Victim Twice at Close Range in the Parking Lot

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 30 that Nashawn Legros, 24, of Wyandanch, was indicted for attempted murder, assault, and other related charges, for allegedly shooting a male twice in the parking lot of Jake’s 58 Casino in Islandia, causing the victim serious physical injuries.

“This defendant’s alleged crimes not only threatened the victim’s life, but also the lives of everyone else in the casino parking lot at the time. That is unacceptable,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office is committed to combatting violent crime in Suffolk County. We will continue to hold those who commit violence accountable for their actions.”

According to the investigation, on May 31, 2024, at approximately 10:16 p.m., Legros was seated in a vehicle parked in the Jake’s 58 Casino parking lot when he observed the victim walking toward the casino entrance. Legros allegedly exited the vehicle, quickly approached the victim, and shot him in the chest and in the stomach. The victim made it inside of the casino before collapsing and received emergency care from casino staff and civilians before being transported to the hospital for emergency surgery. The victim survived the shooting but suffered serious injuries.

Immediately after Legros allegedly shot the victim, he re-entered the vehicle and fled the casino parking lot. Legros then allegedly discarded the vehicle, which he was not authorized to use, in the Central Islip area in the hours following the shooting.

On August 29, 2024, Legros was apprehended in Riverhead with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service and the Suffolk County Police Department’s Narcotics Section.

On August 30, 2024, Legros was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro, for the following charges:

  •   One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   One count of Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies; and
  •   One count of Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle in the First Degree, a Class D felony.

    Justice Ambro ordered Legros held on $1,000,000 cash, $2,000,000 bond, or $10,000,000 partially secured bond, during the pendency of the case. Legros is due back in court on September 6, 2024, and he is being represented by the Legal Aid Society.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Melisa Bliss of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Christopher Alberto of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth Squad and members of the United States Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Taskforce.

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Collegno, tomb 143. Iron 'multiple' belt elements with silver and brass inlay. Photo by Caterina Giostra

Stony Brook Ecology & Evolution professor and an international team complete DNA analysis that provides insight to how communities formed after the collapse of the Roman Empire

A new study of ancient DNA by a team of international researchers and co-led by Krishna R. Veeramah, PhD, of Stony Brook University, provides insight into the development and social structures of European rural communities following the fall of the Roman Empire. The findings, published in a paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), suggest that early medieval elites, or those of higher social status, were initially made up of multiple families with distinct genetic ancestries. However, over time these families intermarried and also the local communities integrated genetically diverse newcomers from a variety of different social and cultural backgrounds.

Collegno, tomb no. 150. End element of belt for weapon suspension in iron with silver and brass inlay. Photo by Caterina Giostra

The research team combined paleogenomic, archaeological, and isotopic data to shed light on the community that used a cemetery in Collegno, Italy, as a burial site during the 6th to 8th centuries CE. Researchers sequenced and analyzed the genomes of 28 individuals from the cemetery and incorporated data from 24 previously published genomes. They also studied individuals’ patterns of social mobility, burial patterns, and diet.

“When the Roman Empire collapsed, we did not really know much about how new communities formed, yet many of these communities would go on to be the basis for modern European countries,” explains Veeramah, an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology & Evolution in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Director of The Veeramah Lab, which is dedicated the study of evolutionary genomics. “Our study reveals that these elites were genetically surprisingly diverse, and in the process of creating new European communities in the medieval era, families with diverse genetic ancestry would come together to form ruling groups.”

“In 2018, our team published a paper that demonstrated genomic and cultural similarities between Collegno and Szólád, a village in modern Hungary that showed a significant correspondence between individuals with a northern European ancestry in both,” adds Patrick Geary, PhD, of the Institute for Advanced Study.  “Our new study follows the transformation of this Italian community over a century, and shows how new groups moved into and merged with the existing inhabitants.”

The researchers discovered that the Collegno community was initially established by and organized around a network of closely related individuals, likely from several elite families. But over time, they evolved into a single extended lineage spanning at least five generations.

Veeramah and colleagues believe individuals from this lineage had a higher ranking in society based on their richer diets and heavily detailed, and likely more expensively made items they were buried with, such as weapons and elaborate belts [see attached photos].

The findings also show that while the Collegno community was initially established by these elite families, a majority that came from northern Europe, the community later incorporated individuals from other origins and genetic backgrounds into it, including surrounding locals.

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Stock photo

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico has announced that the Town of Brookhaven Youth Bureau  will host a “Money Matters Mondays” Financial Literacy program for youth ages 16 to 24 years old. This event is perfect for young individuals looking to gain essential financial skills that will help them navigate their financial futures with confidence. 

The three free workshops will teach young people how to set goals, build a budget and save money.  Sessions will be held in the first-floor Meeting Room-South at Brookhaven Town Hall, located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville. Each workshop runs from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. 

The “Money Matters Mondays” schedule is as follows:

September 16: How to set financial goals, create a budget, and save your earnings for what you want.

September 23: Understanding, building, and improving your credit score.

September 30: Investing 101 with a Financial Advisor: Learn how to start investing early to build wealth and how to take advantage of company matches for retirement.

The featured speaker at the workshops will be Kate Travers, Chase Community Manager. Refreshments and giveaways will be available at each workshop. 

To secure your spot, please register online by September 9 by visiting brookhavenny.gov/327/Youth. For more information, call 631-451-8011.

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

Caciem Kruer and Abdul Muhammad Allegedly Sold Eight Guns to an Undercover Detective

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 29 that Caciem Kruer, 26, of Farmingville, and Abdul Muhammad, 23, of Bay Shore, were charged in a 39-count indictment following a long-term investigation by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Suffolk County Police Department, into an alleged gun-trafficking operation run by alleged gang members in Suffolk County.

“The trafficking and sale of illegal firearms poses a significant risk to public safety, and has no place in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I want to thank our investigators in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the detectives in the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney Squad for their tireless efforts to ensure that these alleged illegal guns were kept out of the hands of gang members and those who would use firearms unlawfully.”

According to the investigation, from February 2024 through March 2024, Kruer and Muhammad, who are alleged members the “Hit Squad Brims,” a subset of the nationwide violent street gang known as the Bloods, allegedly acted together to sell weapons to an undercover detective. Over the course of several dates, Kruer and Muhammad allegedly sold the undercover four loaded pistols, one revolver, two assault rifles, several high-capacity magazines, and ammunition. Three of the eight firearms allegedly sold to the undercover by the defendants were purchased in the southern region of the United States and were transported to Suffolk County. The remainder of the guns sold allegedly had their serial numbers defaced, preventing their origin from being traced.

In addition to the use of an undercover detective, several other investigative techniques were used including the execution of search warrants, audio and video recordings, and physical surveillance.

On August 21, 2024, Kruer was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski, for the following charges:

  • Two counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies;
  • Seven counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violentfelonies;
  • Fourteen counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Third Degree, Class D violent felonies;
  • Eleven counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D violentfelonies;
  • Three counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D felonies;
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E felony; and
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a Class Amisdemeanor.Justice Pilewski ordered Kruer held on $1,000,000 cash, $2,000,000 bond, or $10,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Kruer is due back in court on September 23, 2024, and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society.

    On August 21, 2024, Muhammad was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, for the following charges:

  • Two counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies;
  • Seven counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violentfelonies;
  • Thirteen counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Third Degree, Class D violent felonies;
  • Eleven counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D violentfelonies;
  • Three counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D felonies; and
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a Class Amisdemeanor.

Justice Pilewski ordered Muhammad held on $1,000,000 cash, $2,000,000 bond, or $10,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Muhammad is due back in court on September 30, 2024, and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Glenn Obedin, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Raymond Coscia of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, and the investigation was led by Detective Jennifer Foster of the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney Squad.

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Screenshot of the BOE meeting panel. Courtesy Northport-East Northport Union Free School District

By Aramis Khosronejad

The Northport-East Northport Board of Education met Wednesday, Aug. 22. The board began with an executive session on contract negotiations, potential litigation and property leases, emphasizing the need for a respectful environment.

Public comments followed. A community member raised concerns about transparency regarding the Bren building and supported its community use. Support was voiced for leasing agreements, particularly for Bellerose and Dickinson Avenue buildings, despite some concerns about short-term leases. Denise Schwartz discussed two major lease agreements: The Variety Child Learning Center will lease Bellerose Avenue Elementary School, starting summer 2025 for approximately $7 million, and Western Suffolk BOCES will lease part of Dickinson Avenue Elementary School for its Elementary Applied Behavior Analysis program.

The board approved the formation of four committees with goals in Student Growth and Development, Belonging and Safety, Long-Range Financial Planning and Stewardship and Communications and Community Engagement. These committees will focus on student growth, demographic trends affecting education and summer programs. New teacher orientation, including community tours, mentoring and ongoing support throughout the academic year, was introduced. The board also addressed declining attendance in the summer learning program, initially funded by a grant set to end next year.

Additionally, the student dress code was discussed. Village trustee Joseph Sabia raised concerns about bias and stereotypes in the current policy, suggesting Seattle’s dress code as a model. Lauren Bindelglass supported incorporating student input.

The board explored strategies to generate additional income, including leasing district buildings and seeking other revenue sources. The long-range planning committee will investigate potential opportunities and the impact of recent legislation allowing districts to seek outside income.

Plans to improve public accessibility to board meetings include adding links to the board agenda and installing Promethean boards in seating areas for easier presentation viewing.

The next Northport-East Northport Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 5.

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Photo courtesy Stony Brook Athletics

It was a victorious opening weekend for the Stony Brook volleyball team as they secured a five-set win over James Madison University in Harrisburg, PA on Aug. 31.The Seawolves were led by double-doubles from Quinn Anderson, who had 15 kills and 13 digs and Leoni Kunz, who had 12 kills and 16 digs. The win improved the Seawolves’ overall record to 3-0 on the season, their first 3-0 start since the 2006 season.
Offensively, Kunz recorded her 16th double-double of her career while Anderson tallied her first in just her third collegiate outing.  Kali Moore also added 16 kills to help the offense. Torri Henry dished out 48 assists to bring her invitational total to 139. On the defensive end, Julia Patsos chipped in with 19 digs to go with six blocks from Ayanna Pierre Louis.

HOW IT HAPPENED

SET 1 | The Seawolves found themselves in an early deficit, dropping a tough first set 25-12. Stony Brook trailed by as many as 13 points as JMU never surrendered the lead in a set that didn’t have a single tie before the Dukes took control.

SET 2 | Stony Brook rallied after dropping the first set to take the second set 25-21, evening the match at one set apiece. The Seawolves grabbed control of the set lead early on, at 6-5, and held the lead the rest of the way. Stony Brook led by as many as six points at 21-15 before closing out the set, totaling 16 kills while only notching two attack errors in the process. Stony Brook’s front row had a solid defensive performance, blocking four JMU attacks in the stanza.

SET 3 | JMU took a 2-1 match lead after taking down the Seawolves in the third set by a score of 25-20. JMU grabbed the advantage for good at 15-14 in a set that was tied up 10 times before the Dukes took over in the second half.

SET 4 | Stony Brook then responded to secure set four 25-23 to force a fifth set. A strong performance on the attacking side led the Seawolves to victory in the set. Stony Brook put together a .378 attack percentage with 17 kills in the set win. After the lead changed hands five times, the Seawolves took control for good at 24-23 and rode that advantage to victory. Stony Brook got a solid defensive performance from a front row that blocked five JMU attacks.

SET 5 | Down two sets to one, Stony Brook fought back to win sets four and five, culminating in a 15-9 fifth-set victory, to take the match 3-2. The Seawolves took control of the set-five lead at 3-2 and never looked back. Stony Brook ended strong, opening its biggest lead of six points, to finish off the set.

STATS AND NOTES

  • This marked the second time in program history that the Seawolves and Dukes met, and the first time since August 30, 2019. Stony Brook improved to 1-1 all-time against JMU.
  • Freshman outside hitter Quinn Anderson and graduate student outside hitter Leoni Kunz each registered double-doubles in the win.
  • Junior outside hitter Kali Moore had a team-high 16 kills for Stony Brook.
  • Graduate student setter Torri Henry recorded 48 assists in the victory, adding 14 digs, four kills, four blocks, and one ace.
  • Graduate student libero Julia Patsos led the Seawolves with 19 digs.
  • Sophomore middle blocker Ayanna Pierre Louis tied her career-high with six blocks.
  • With the win, the Seawolves start their season at 3-0 overall; the first time since the 2006 season.

“The fight in our group this weekend was incredible,” stated head coach Kristin Belzung postgame. “Today was a cat and mouse match and we made adjustments throughout both offensively and defensively. I’m so proud of our team for competing throughout and taking care of each other.”The team returns to action next weekend as they travel upstate to take on Buffalo, UConn, and Colgate in the Ellis Rowland Memorial Tournament. Friday’s match will begin at 4 p.m. with coverage available on ESPN+. Saturday and Sunday both have first serve scheduled for 2 p.m.

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Photo courtesy Stony Brook Athletics
Seawolves Defeat Hornets and Blue Hose in a Pair of Five-Set Thrillers

It was a dominant opening day for the Stony Brook volleyball team as they picked up a pair of five-set victories over Delaware State and Presbyterian at the JMU Invitational on Aug. 30.  The non-conference wins improved Stony Brook’s overall record to 2-0 on the young season.

Offensively, Kali Moore secured double-doubles in both matches to help propel the team past the Hornets and Blue Hose, while Leoni Kunz tallied herself a double-double against Delaware State. Contributing to their success, Torri Henry recorded 91 total assists throughout the two-match day.

The Seawolves began match one trading set wins with Delaware State before finishing it off in the final deciding set. The squad would end on a high note, scoring first and never trailing to secure the victory by a match-high 10-point lead. Kunz (.429) and Moore (.208) led the attack with 20 kills apiece, as Henry totaled 49 assists, Julia Patsos added 26 digs, and Mercedes Motton tied her career-high with seven blocks.

Identical to the first match, Stony Brook and Presbyterian went back-and-forth in their efforts. In the fifth set, the Seawolves once again took the lead and did not falter, closing out the match with a 15-8 deciding score. Moore (.227) had a team-high 23 kills as rookie outside hitter Quinn Anderson (.231) tallied 13 of her own. Ashleigh Woodruff (.450) added a career-high 10 kills against the Blue Hose. Henry led with 42 assists and 31 digs to round out the squad.

MATCH 1: STONY BROOK – 3, DELAWARE STATE – 2 (25-18, 25-27, 25-20, 23-25, 15-5)

  • This marked the third time in program history that the teams went head-to-head and the first time since October 23, 2015. The Seawolves improved to 3-0 all-time against the Hornets, and today being the first match to go five sets.
  • Junior outside hitter Kali Moore registered a double-double with a team-high 20 kills on .208 hitting. She also totaled 13 digs, three blocks, and a pair of assists.
  • Graduate student outside hitter Leoni Kunz also recorded a double-double, the 15th of her career, with a team-high 20 kills on .429 hitting. She added 12 digs, four blocks, and one assist.
  • Reigning CAA Setter of the Year Torri Henry recorded 49 assists in the victory and had a match-high four aces.
  • Graduate student libero Julia Patsos led the Seawolves with 26 digs.
  • Sophomore middle blocker Mercedes Motton tied her career-high with seven blocks.
  • Graduate student middle blocker Abby Campbell had a team-high three aces in the win.

MATCH 2: STONY BROOK – 3, PRESBYTERIAN – 2 (25-16, 14-25, 25-19, 23-25, 15-8)

  • This was the first meeting between the Seawolves an Blue Hose in program history.
  • Moore registered her 21st career double-double with 23 kills and 24 digs. She also had three aces, one assist, and one block in the victory.
  • Outside hitter Quinn Anderson led all freshman with 13 kills.
  • Kunz contributed with 12 kills, seven digs, two blocks, and one assist.
  • Sophomore middle blocker Ashleigh Woodruff added a career-high 10 kills.
  • After tallying 49 assists in the first game, Henry dished out a match-high 42 assists and 31 digs. She also had four aces, one kill, and one block.
  • Freshman libero/defensive specialist Zayda Fuertez dug 15 balls in the victory for the Seawolves.

“Starting off the season competing in back-to-back five set matches is incredibly tough,” head coach Kristin Belzung noted postgame. “I thought we fought to adapt throughout both matches and am proud of our fight. To have so many people step up and contribute is something that will be a strength of ours this season.”

NEXT UP
The Seawolves are back in action Aug. 31 as they face off against invitational host James Madison University at 12:00 p.m. This will be only the second meeting between these two teams in program history, as the Dukes earned a straight sweep back in 2019.

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Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico has announced that the Town of Brookhaven Department of General Services, Division of Veterans Services, and the Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency will host the first annual Veterans Resource Fair on Monday, September 16 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will be held in the 2nd floor Media Room at Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill in Farmingville. Representatives of the following agencies will be in attendance:

  • Brookhaven Town Veteran Services Division’s mission is to serve our Veterans and their families by gathering and providing information on benefits available through the Veterans Administration, State, County and local governments.
  • Suffolk County Veteran Services Agency is committed to aiding our county veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces as well as their dependents and survivors through the pursuance of veterans benefits at the county, state and federal levels and referrals to other agencies for possible assistance with dignity and respect.
  • “Healing Through Art” Veteran and East End Artist Joh Melillo has found solace from PTSD through the art of painting. By offering free workshops for veterans who also suffer from trauma, John teaches the practice of painting, and the veterans create and take home their very own artwork.
  • The mission of the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project is to assist Veterans, service members, and their families to achieve and sustain personal health, wellness, and purpose in their post-service lives through the support of trained Veteran peers.
  • Long Island Cares proudly provides Veterans programs ranging from food assistance and job help to personalized referral services.
  • The mission of The Long Island State Veterans Home is to provide high quality and compassionate health care services for veterans and their families.
  • Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program prevents homelessness by helping very low-income Veterans and their families gain access to the resources they need in order to successfully transition to, or maintain, permanent housing.
  • Paws of War’s mission is to honor and support our veterans, active military members, and first responders with services that enrich their lives through the rescue and training of service dogs for independence, adoption of companion animals, rescue of overseas animals in war zones, and other essential services to assist our heroes in need.
  • Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management coordinates the county’s response to natural and man-made disasters. OEM personnel are responsible for development of the Comprehensive All-Hazards Emergency Management Plan, the operation of the county’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and work with local, state, and federal officials in all aspects of shelter management, planning, resource management, and emergency response and recovery activities.
  • Suffolk County Community College Veterans Resource Center assists veterans in maximizing their benefits, supporting a successful transition to college life and achieving their educational and personal goals.

For more information about the Veterans Resource Fair, please call the Brookhaven Town Department of General Services at 631-451-6331.

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From left, Councilwoman Bonner, local residents James and Jessica Fanning, with their children Jack and Penelope, and Coram Civic Association President Kareem Nugdalla. Photo from Town of Brookhaven

On August 20, Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner met with Coram Civic Association President Kareem Nugdalla and local residents James and Jessica Fanning, with their children Jack and Penelope and cousin Alicia Cordner at the new Diamond in the Pines Park playground.

Located at 1921 Route 112 in Coram, the park also features ball fields, benches, chairs, gazebo, multi-purpose field, playground, restrooms, trails and more.

Councilwoman Bonner said, “Diamond in the Pines is an appropriate name for this jewel of a park. It’s a real fun place where so many families come to enjoy and play in a safe and comfortable environment. I thank the Parks Department for all they do to maintain and improve our parks and playgrounds, and I welcome all Brookhaven residents to stop by and enjoy this park or any one of our beautiful Town Parks.” 

For more information about Diamond in the Pines or any park in the Town of Brookhaven, go to www.BrookhavenNY.gov.

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