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Yearly Archives: 2024

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

Dolores Mancialandaverde Tried to Evade Responsibility by Fleeing on Foot After Crashing into a Tractor Trailer

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Nov. 12 that Dolores Mancialandaverde, 28, of Medford, pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, and other related charges, for allegedly operating a motor vehicle while his privilege to drive in New York State was suspended, and then leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in the death of his passenger, Hedilberto Nava-Perez, 44, of Medford, and serious physical injuries to another passenger.

“Mancialandaverde was not supposed to be driving due to having a suspended license,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thus, this tragedy could have been avoided. Instead, this defendant chose to endanger Suffolk County residents through his egregious conduct and, in the process, caused the death of Hedilberto Nava-Perez, an innocent passenger in the defendant’s car.”

According to the investigation, on June 8, 2024, at approximately 1:52 a.m., Mancialandaverde was driving his 2008 BMW 328i southbound on Horseblock Road in Medford, with two passengers inside. As a tractor trailer was making a left-hand turn from Horseblock Road onto Express Drive North, Mancialandaverde drove through the intersection and crashed into the tractor trailer. Mancialandaverde exited his vehicle and fled on foot as a bystander attempted to render aid to the victims.

Nava-Perez, Mancialandaverde’s back-seat passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene. Mancialandaverde’s front-seat passenger suffered femur, spinal, and facial fractures, and was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital. The driver of the tractor trailer was uninjured.

At the time of the crash, Mancialandaverde’s privilege to drive in New York was suspended.

On November 12, 2024, Mancialandaverde pleaded guilty to Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class D felony, and Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class E felony, before Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei.

Mancialandaverde is due back in court on January 8, 2025, and faces two to six years in prison at sentencing. He is being represented by Luigi Belcastro, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Rosenheck of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Donal Hughes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit.

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Joseph Scalafani. Photo from SCPD

Two Co-Defendants Also Pleaded Guilty to Hindering Prosecution

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Joseph Scalafani, 34, of Mastic Beach, pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree for the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Alex Smith, also of Mastic Beach. His brother Daniel Scalafani, and friend, Jeffrey Mercury, also pleaded guilty to Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree for assisting the defendant flee New York after the murder.

“Today’s guilty plea closes a case where a life was senselessly taken and efforts to evade justice failed. Although it will not bring back Mr. Smith, the defendant and the two accomplices who aided his attempt to escape have all now been held accountable,” said District Attorney Tierney. “In Suffolk County, playing any role in attempts to flee from a homicide will be met with serious consequences.”

On May 20, 2023, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Joseph Scalafani ambushed Smith and his ex- girlfriend as they exited a bar in Mastic Beach. Joseph Scalafani fired numerous shots at Smith, striking him multiple times in the back and torso.

While Smith was collapsed on the ground, Joseph Scalafani shot him again, twice in the head at close range. He then got into his vehicle and fled the scene, only to crash a short distance away and then flee on foot. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

After the murder, Scalafani fled New York with the help of his brother, Daniel Scalafani, 31, of Shirley, and friend Jeffrey Mercury, 62, of Mastic Beach. Daniel Scalafani and Mercury each provided money to the defendant to assist him in fleeing New York and then lied to law enforcement when asked about his whereabouts. Additionally, Mercury drove Joseph Scalafani down to Virginia and dropped him off to assist him in evading apprehension.

On June 4, 2023, Joseph Scalafani was tracked down and arrested in Florida by members of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. He was then extradited back to Suffolk County on July 6, 2023.

On December 20, 2023, Daniel Scalafani pleaded guilty to Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree, a Class D felony, before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins. Daniel Scalafani is due back in court on December 6, 2024, and he is being represented by Peter J. Creedon, Esq. and Jonathan Gill, Esq.

On February 1, 2024, Mercury pleaded guilty to Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree, a Class D felony, before Justice Collins. Mercury is due back in court on November 21, 2024, and he is being represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.

On November 12, 2024, Joseph Scalafani pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony before Justice Collins. Joseph Scalafani is expected to be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.

Joseph Scalafani is due back in court on January 21, 2025, and he is being represented by Anthony LaPinta, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Guidarelli of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Thomas M. Palumbo and Detective Brendan O’Hara of the Suffolk County Police Department Homicide Squad.

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Stock photo

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced today that the deadline for the 2024 Suffolk County Real Property Auction registration will be extended to Friday, November 15. To register, please click here.

The auction will be held online on Wednesday, November 20, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Suffolk County Real Property Auction helps to relieve the tax burden for taxpayers and provides an unparalleled opportunity for individuals to become property owners in Suffolk County at a reasonable cost.

“Suffolk County continues to explore opportunities to make this County more affordable for our residents,”said Romaine. “By embracing modern technology and creating more opportunities for its residents and taxpayers to potentially become homeowners through this online platform, we are taking another step towards achieving that goal.”

The auction will be hosted online for the third time.  The format allows for greater participation, as those looking to purchase property do not need to be present. In prior years, individuals looking to purchase property were required to attend the in-person, 2-day live auction. Additionally, the online vendor-operated format maximizes County resources by allowing County employees to pursue their normal job functions and duties.

Suffolk County selected the vendor Realauction.com, LLC in July 2024 to host the online auction. There is no cost to the County.  A $325 auction fee per property is paid by the winning bidder.

The auction website hosts training webinars and provides information on how to register and navigate the online public auction. All properties are viewable online using GIS access on RealAuction.com and on Suffolk County’s website. Additionally, telephone help desk services are available both through the auction vendor RealAuction.com and through the Suffolk County 311 call center.

Approximately 65 Parcels are available this year. For a full inventory of properties, click here and go to pages 10 to 16.

To register for the auction,  click here

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File photo

Suffolk County Police arrested two women for alleged prostitution during a raid at a business operating
out of an apartment in East Northport on Nov. 12.

In response to numerous community complaints, Second Precinct Crime Section officers, in conjunction
with the Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Building Department, conducted an investigation into
Welian International Inc., located at 360 Larkfield Road, unit 21.

Two employees, Teresa Zhang, 51, of New York, NY, and Alexandra Thalia Higinio, 31, of Jersey City,
NJ, were both charged with Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, and Prostitution. Zhang was
additionally charged with Criminal Nuisance 2nd Degree.

Zhang and Higinio were both issued Desk Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to appear at First
District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

The Town of Huntington issued several violations to the business.

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Pixabay photo

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) announced on Nov. 12 that Suffolk County has deployed members from 10 fire departments to Orange County to assist with the ongoing Jennings Creek Wildfire.

The following departments responded: Central Islip, Eastport, Amagansett, Dix Hills, Huntington, West Islip, Southampton, East Hampton, East Marion, and Orient.

“Our first responders are always prepared to answer the call to help wherever they are needed. I am proud of their commitment, and we thank them for their sacrifice,” said Romaine. “Our region has experienced one of the driest months on record, leading to extremely dry conditions and a real possibility of rapid fire spread if ignition occurs so we recognize the urgency of this matter.”

Suffolk County is currently under a Red Flag Warning. According to the National Weather Service, a Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected or are occurring. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels would create a significant elevated fire growth potential.

“Our residents can be assured that Suffolk County is home to 109 fire departments and still has sufficient resources to respond to emergencies locally,” said Suffolk County FRES Commissioner Rudy Sunderman.

Suffolk County FRES urges residents to be cautious and provides the following safety tips to prevent further incidents: Avoid recreational fires, always have a fire extinguisher nearby, fully extinguish any flames, and report uncontrolled fires immediately.

The Suffolk County Parks Department has issued a ban on all campfires and open flames in all County parks. Please be cautious when extinguishing cigarettes and remain aware of any signs of fire.

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Pixabay photo

By Dylan Friedman

Sons of Norway, Loyal Lodge 252, is gearing up to celebrate a significant milestone: its 100th anniversary in 2024. Initially chartered in June of 1924, the lodge also boasts the title of Smithtown’s oldest fraternal organization. 

“It’s pretty cool that we’re still here, 100 years later,” Eric Johansson, president of the loyal lodge, said. “We have got a lot of cool stories and history to share.”

The lodge’s website recounts that the organization’s early meetings were held in the cellar of former lodge president Carl Eriksen’s residence. As membership grew, the lodge’s members embarked on a construction project during the 1930s, erecting a meeting place to call their own, Norway Hall, located at 201 Seventh St., St. James.  

The completed hall, a substantial structure constructed of hollow tile, stucco and wood, quickly became a vital community hub.

In addition to serving as a designated meeting space for Sons of Norway, Loyal Lodge 252, the hall was also made available to various local organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Democratic and Republican clubs, the Masonic Lodge, and the Boy and Girl Scouts. Moreover, as the organization’s website detailed, the hall previously functioned as a polling place for local elections.

While the hall has served as a physical hub for the community for decades, the organization’s commitment to connection extends beyond its walls. Johansson highlights the organization’s upcoming Annual Scandinavian Bazaar on Nov. 16 as an opportunity to showcase its philanthropic commitment to the community. 

The event will offer attendees a chance to immerse themselves in Scandinavian culture through live accordion music, a variety of Scandinavian holiday and household items, home-baked goods, traditional food (including lapskaus, waffles and open sandwiches) and a raffle.

As Sons of Norway, Loyal Lodge 252, celebrates its 100-year milestone, the organization continues to be a vibrant part of the community. With a rich history and a bright future, the lodge invites everyone to join in the celebration and experience the warmth of Scandinavian culture.

The Nov. 16 event will occur at the St. James Lutheran Church, located at 230 2nd Ave., St. James, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

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Left: Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-PortJefferson). Right: Rebecca Kassay. Courtesy Ed Flood and Rebecca Kassay for NYS Assembly's Facebook page

By Toni-Elena Gallo

In the wake of last Tuesday’s election, the race for NYS Assembly District 4 remains to be called.

With mail-in ballots still being counted, there is no exact timeline for when results will be in.

Rebecca Kassay released a statement last Thursday, saying, “We knew that the race for the NYS
Assembly seat in District 4 would be one of the most competitive races in New York State, and as of Wednesday, November 6, I hold a 211 vote lead. In a race this close, results will not be determined until the affidavit ballots and final mail in ballots are counted. This might take until late November, so in the meantime, our team is reflecting on our gratitude for the incredible individuals and community groups who we’ve connected with and built stronger relationships with during the journey of this campaign.”

“There is so much work to be done here in our district, our town, our county and our state, and I hope to have the opportunity to serve you as your Assemblymember,” Kassay continued.

TBR requested comment from Assemblyman Flood and his response was as follows: “As we await the final numbers, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has supported me throughout this campaign. I remain deeply committed to representing, advocating for and listening to our community. This dedication is not new; it has always been the foundation of my work and will continue to guide me moving forward.”

“Serving our community is an honor, and I am committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed,” he continued.

 

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File photo

Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed the driver and injured four others in Melville on Nov. 11.

Daishun Jones Rains was driving a 2004 Nissan Sentra eastbound on the Long Island Expressway, near the Pinelawn Road overpass, when he lost control of the vehicle, which exited the roadway, crashed into trees and overturned at approximately 5 a.m.

Jones Rains, 30, of Huntington Station, was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner.

Passengers Marcellus Cheek, 28, of Ronkonkoma, and Nadja Hamilton, 27, of Huntington, were both transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip for treatment of serious injuries. Shatiek Crowell, 29, of Central Islip, and Enajah Oakes, 24, of Central Islip, were both transported to local hospitals for treatment of minor injuries. The vehicle was impounded for safety check. Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call the Second Squad at 631-854-8252.

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Sherri Shepherd. Photo from BrandPoint

Award-winning TV host, comedian, actress and author Sherri Shepherd is at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) because she has diabetes. She doesn’t want to let it stop her from taking her shot on – or off – the stage. That’s why Sherri is partnering with Pfizer to share her diabetes story and help raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated.

Q: Sherri, there’s no doubt that you’re a superstar in more than one arena. What has helped contribute to your success over the years?

I learned early on that you need to run toward the thing that scares you because that’s where you can really thrive. And let me tell you, starting out in comedy and TV can be scary. But I put in the time practicing jokes on the bus, spending time on the road, working late hours behind the scenes, and it all led me to where I was supposed to be. And now, I get to take my shot at doing what I love every day.

Q: I’m sure you faced some challenges to get where you are today. What was one of the biggest you’ve faced?

I think the biggest one for me is more of a personal one. I have diabetes, so over the years I’ve had to learn how to keep my health in check. For me, I prioritize eating right, keeping active, talking with my doctor regularly, and getting vaccinated to help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD. It took a lot to get here so I don’t want to be held back from doing what I love.

Q: Tell me more about pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD. Are they serious?

Absolutely. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks. In more severe cases, it can put you in the hospital and even be life-threatening. The same bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia can also cause invasive pneumococcal disease, or IPD, which includes blood infection and meningitis.

Q: That does sound serious. Who is at greater risk?

People like me who are 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions like diabetes, asthma or COPD. In fact, people 19-64 living with diabetes are at over 5x higher risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and up to 4.8x higher risk for IPD, compared with healthy adults the same age. People 65 or older are also at increased risk, even if they’re healthy.

Q: What advice would you give to people about protecting themselves against pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD?

Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself. And vaccination is available all year round, so I encourage everyone to talk to their doctor or pharmacist to see if a pneumococcal vaccination is right for them. They can also visit VaxAssist.com to book an appointment online today.

Q: Thanks, Sherri. Is there anything else people should know about pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD?

People assume you can only get pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD during flu season or in the winter, but you can get it any time of year. And even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia before, your doctor may still recommend another vaccination for further protection. I love hosting my show and doing comedy, but I don’t joke around when it comes to pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD – and you shouldn’t either. Go talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting vaccinated, so you can also keep taking your shot at whatever it is you love to do. (BPT)

Brought to you by Pfizer.

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Photo courtesy of Syntax
Photo courtesy of Syntax
Photo courtesy of Syntax
Photo courtesy of Syntax
Photo courtesy of Syntax

The Comsewogue School District is excited to announce that Boyle Road Elementary School has been named a 2023-2025 School of Excellence by the National Parent-Teacher Association. Boyle Road is one of 10 schools on Long Island, 19 in New York and 319 nationwide to earn this designation, which spans two years. The School of Excellence program awards school PTAs that foster strong relationships within their communities to strengthen the educational experience and well-being of students and their families.

The Comsewogue community celebrated this achievement with a banner unveiling ceremony on Friday, Oct. 25, to kick off homecoming weekend. The event included a performance from a student orchestral quartet and speeches about the importance of the recognition. The district also received proclamations and words of congratulations from distinguished guests, including New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson), Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Setauket), New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) and Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (R-Selden).

“The Boyle Road community represents Comsewogue with pride in everything they do,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Quinn. “Earning this designation is a testament to the determination and passion of the Boyle Road PTA members and the work they put into bolstering their role and relationships in the community.”

The first step toward qualifying as a School of Excellence is to survey all parents/guardians and staff members for feedback on areas they feel the PTA and school could improve their child’s educational experience. The survey seeks to gauge satisfaction with topics including communication, cooperation, educational input, diversity and equity.

Responses revealed positive experiences from family members and faculty who saw Boyle Road as a welcoming, friendly environment. However, many responses also asked for the PTA to increase its communications about the services it offers to Comsewogue and Boyle Road.

“As the president of the Boyle Road PTA, I am committed to examining and boosting our PTA, and the relationship with our school and the overall community,” said Boyle Road PTA President Diane Enright. “These relationships are vital to the strength of our PTA and our community. We are excited to continue building these positive relationships within our school and the community to bring our students even more experiences to enrich their education and overall well-being.”

The PTA assessed its responses to develop action plans aimed at building positive relationships with the diverse families and local businesses that make up the Comsewogue community. One of the first steps the PTA took was to create a monthly newsletter in both English and Spanish, which highlights the PTA’s events, goals and efforts. The PTA is also rolling out its own website this year to expand its online presence beyond social media and the school’s website.

Another important component of the community-building effort involves establishing partnerships, sponsorships and programs between the school and local businesses, nonprofits and universities. This year, the PTA has built partnerships and began working with 4-Corners Produce, Zara’s Deli, Chick-fil-A, Duck Donuts, Comsewogue Public Library and Stony Brook University.

For more information about the Comsewogue School District, please visit the district’s website at www.comsewogue.k12.ny.us. Happenings in the district can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ComsewogueSD.

 

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