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Yearly Archives: 2025

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Do you recognize this couple? 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 two people who allegedly stole from an East Setauket store in April.

A man and a woman entered Kohl’s, located at 5000 Nesconset Highway, on April 25 and allegedly stole approximately $790 worth of clothing at 1 p.m.

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

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD
Do you recognize this man? 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 man who allegedly damaged and entered a Setauket business in April.

A man allegedly damaged a fence at and entered Setauket Harbor Canoes and Kayaks, located at 30 Shore Road, on April 24 at 6:35 p.m.

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

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

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fifth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate two women who allegedly stole from a Holbrook store.

Two women allegedly stole approximately $540 worth of groceries from Stop and Shop, located at 57-01 Sunrise Highway, on April 26 at approximately 6:45 p.m.

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

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Stock photo

Suffolk County Police arrested two people during a massage parlor raid in Middle Island on April 29.

Seventh Precinct Crime Section officers, in conjunction with the Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement Inspectors, conducted an investigation at Evolve Spa, Inc. located at 831 Middle Country Road.

Yanmei Huang, 35, of Flushing, and Vivian Gao, 40, of Flushing, were arrested and charged with alleged Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, a felony, and Prostitution, a misdemeanor. Both were issued Desk Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

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

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the men who attempted to break into a vehicle in Lake Grove in April.

Two men attempted to break into a vehicle parked in front of a Briarberry Court home, in Lake Grove, on April 18 at approximately 8:40 p.m. When the vehicle owner approached them, the suspects displayed a knife and menaced the victim.

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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Documentary screening of 'Gotta Dance' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
Documentary screening of 'Gotta Dance' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
Documentary screening of 'Gotta Dance' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

On April 27, Theatre Three, in collaboration with the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council, held a screening of Gotta Dance, the documentary which is the basis of their upcoming production Half Time The Musical, in its New York premiere. The evening opened with the cast of Half Time  presenting “A Number,” the opening of the show. Following the documentary, Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel led a talkback with the documentary’s producer/director Dori Berinstein.

From the creators of The Wedding Singer, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Prom and Legally Blonde, Half Time is based on the incredible true story of ten determined dreamers who audition to dance at halftime for a major basketball team. They have three things in common: they love to dance, they have something to prove, and they are all over 60 years old! Only after making the cut, do they learn they won’t be dancing tap, salsa or swing – instead they will bring down the house with hip-hop!

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Half Time on the Mainstage from May 24 to June 22. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 Wednesday matinees and children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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Suffolk County Community College students:  Udya Dewanamuni; Carolina Hernandez Alvarez; Julia Heller-Bomba;Nancy Lorme; Nina Kezys and Brianna Calle Boror. Photos courtesy of SCCC

Six Suffolk County Community College students have been named 2025 PTK All-State Scholars. The students are: Brianna Calle Boror, an Eastern Campus Education major from Shirley; Udya Dewanamuni, an Ammerman Campus Physics major from Ronkonkoma; Julia Heller-Bomba, a Michael J. Grant Campus Creative Writing major from East Northport; Carolina Hernandez Alvarez, an Eastern Campus Accounting major from Riverhead; Nina Kezys, a Michael J.  Grant Campus Psychology major from East Northport and Nancy Lorme, an Ammerman Campus Accounting major from Holtsville.

Among them, Nina Kezys, was recently selected for the prestigious 2025 All-USA Academic Team, one of only 20 students nationwide to receive this distinction. This honor recognizes her outstanding intellectual achievement, leadership, and community engagement. As an All-USA Academic Team member, she receives a $5,000 scholarship and a special medallion. Nina was also named a 2025 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, earning the highest score in New York State in the All-USA Academic Team competition. This honor comes with a $2,250 scholarship, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the American Association of Community Colleges, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Nina recently traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, where she received her awards during the American Association of Community College’s annual convention.

Udya Dewanamuni, Carolina Hernandez Alvarez, Julia Heller-Bomba, and Nancy Lorme have also been named 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholars based upon scores the students earned in the All- USA Academic Team competition.

The Coca-Cola Academic Team recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to service. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion and is recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies. The program is administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Ammerman Campus student Udya Dewanamuni and Eastern Campus student Carolina Hernandez Alvarez were named Gold Scholars and will each receive a $1,500 scholarship. Michael J. Grant Campus student Julia Heller-Bomba was named a Silver Scholar and will receive a $1,250 scholarship. Ammerman Campus student Nancy Lorme was named a Bronze Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

“We are incredibly proud of the achievements of these students, who embody the spirit of academic excellence and community service,” said Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College. “Their hard work, leadership, and dedication to their communities exemplify the very best of what Suffolk County Community College stands for.”

About the Students:

Brianna Calle Boror, an Education major from Shirley, NY, maintains a 3.7 GPA and has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester for the past two years. She serves as a Peer Mentor, Co-President of Phi Theta Kappa, Vice President of the Honors Club and Latina Elite, Public Relations Chair for the Student Government Association, and is an active member of the Outdoor Adventure Club. Brianna regularly volunteers with Ruta 27, a nonprofit organization offering classes to non-native English-speaking adults. She also created a bilingual peer-tutoring network that provides academic support to ESL students.

Udya Dewanamuni, a Physics major from Ronkonkoma, NY, holds a 4.0 GPA and has been consistently named to the Dean’s List for the past two years. Serving as Vice President of Leadership for Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), a Senator in Student Government, and President of the Math Club, she is also a STEM Scholar and a Chemistry and Physics tutor. Udya’s interdisciplinary research in physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and computer science reflects her dedication to academic rigor, innovation, and learning through mentorship.

Carolina Hernandez Alvarez, an Accounting major from Riverhead, NY, has a 3.9 GPA and has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester. A member of the Honors Program, Carolina has received the Honors Program Academic Excellence Award, Outstanding Service Award, and Emerging Student Leader Award. She serves as President of the Latin Elite Club and the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and is also a Peer Mentor and ESL Student tutor, demonstrating a strong commitment to both leadership and academic excellence.

Julia Heller-Bomba, a Creative Writing major from East Northport, NY, holds a 3.6 GPA and has been on the Dean’s List for the past two years. Julia is President of the Woman’s Club, Vice President of Leadership for Phi Theta Kappa, and a member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. A TRIO Student Support Services Scholarship recipient, Julia’s nomination for the PTK All-USA/All-State competition recognizes her exceptional academic achievements and leadership abilities.

Nina Kezys, a Psychology major from East Northport, maintains a 4.0 GPA and has earned Dean’s List recognition for the past two semesters. She was recently selected for the prestigious 2025 All-USA Academic Team, one of only 20 students nationwide to receive this distinction. This honor recognizes her outstanding intellectual achievement, leadership, and community engagement. Nina was also named a 2025 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, earning the highest score in New York State in the All-USA Academic Team competition. A Women’s Soccer Team player, Nina serves as Vice President of the Rotaract Community Service Club and Vice President of Membership for Phi Theta Kappa. She is also a member of the Honors and Psychology Clubs and serves as a Peer Mentor overseeing the Michael J. Grant Campus Food Pantry.

Nancy Lorme, an Accounting major from Holtsville, NY, maintains a 3.6 GPA and has earned Dean’s List honors each semester. She is President of PTK, Rotaract Club, and the Student African American Sisterhood. A Get There From Here scholar, Nancy serves on the SGA Finance Committee, Conduct Board, and as a regular volunteer at the Food Pantry. Her leadership extends through mentoring roles, including being an Orientation Leader and Peer Mentor, embodying both academic and service-oriented excellence.

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About Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is the largest, most comprehensive community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling more than 21,000 students in over 100 degree and certificate programs. With approximately 140,000 alumni, Suffolk County Community College is dedicated to meeting the demands of regional employers. The college has built an extensive track record of successfully training and educating its students through pathways from high school, to college, and into careers.

About the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world. Supporting more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year, it awards $3.55 million in scholarships annually through three nationally recognized programs. Learn more at coca-colascholarsfoundation.org.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

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Photo courtesy of SCPD
Photo courtesy of SCPD
Photo courtesy of SCPD

Marvin Sandoval and Charles Weiss to Pay $15,000 in Combined Fines

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 29 that Marvin Sandoval, 29, of Ronkonkoma, and Charles Weiss, 33, of Coram, pleaded guilty to dumping a pile of construction waste and household debris in a remote wooded area within the protected Long Island Central Pine Barrens Region.

“Suffolk will not tolerate illegal dumping,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will protect every square inch of natural space in this county and will respond with swift and aggressive prosecution whenever it is threatened.”

According to court documents and the defendants’ admissions during their guilty plea allocutions, on November 6, 2024, Weiss and Sandoval, as part of a hired job, loaded a U-Haul box truck with construction waste and household debris and then drove into a remote wooded area within the Long Island Central Pine Barrens Region where they dumped the contents of the truck onto the forest floor. The materials they dumped consisted of pieces of wood furniture, used paint cans, paint rollers, shower doors, chandeliers, large pieces of styrofoam, a sink, a granite countertop, tools, and multiple bags of household garbage.

The defendants’ conduct was uncovered by two civilian witnesses who had the good conscience and initiative to contact law enforcement. A joint investigation between the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County Park Rangers, and the Town of Riverhead Police Department identified Weiss and Sandoval, who had solicited a job of cleaning up a house for a $1,000 fee and then, instead of properly disposing of the materials, selected the Pine Barrens as their dump site. The pair was quickly called back to the site by law enforcement and directed to remediate the dumping.

On February 19, 2025, Weiss pleaded guilty to the charge of violating section 433-6 of the Suffolk County Code (the Evergreen Law) before Riverhead Town Justice Court Judge Sean Walter and was ordered to pay $7,500 in fines. He was represented by Brandon Abbattiello, Esq.

On April 29, 2025, Sandoval pleaded guilty to the charge of violating section 433-6 of the Suffolk County Code (the Evergreen Law) before Riverhead Town Justice Court Judge Sean Walter and was ordered to pay $7,500 in fines. He was represented by Daniel Rodgers, Esq.

Per the Evergreen initiative, the Good Samaritans who reported the dumping will be receiving their monetary awards.

About the Evergreen Initiative

In December 2023, District Attorney Raymond Tierney, County Executive Ed Romaine, and Sheriff Errol Toulon, along with leadership of the New York State Police, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Suffolk County Park Rangers, Long Island Pine Barrens Law Enforcement Commission, and Crime Stoppers, announced the Suffolk County Evergreen Initiative – a collaborative plan to curb illegal dumping on county property and within the Central Pine Barrens Region by ramping up and coordinating enforcement, imposing harsher fines, and enhancing civilian incentive to report dumpers.

In early 2024, the Suffolk County Legislature amended Suffolk County Code § 433-7 to raise the maximum fines for dumping in the Pine Barrens Region to $15,000 for individuals and $25,000 for corporations. It additionally mandated that 33% of fines collected from convictions under the statute would be remitted to members of the public who provided information leading to the arrest and conviction of offenders. This award was designed to spur the interest and assistance of the public in identifying and preventing illegal dumping in this largely unsurveilled area.

The Evergreen Initiative thus relies heavily on deterrence and citizen stewardship as a means of protecting an otherwise vulnerable and voiceless victim. The amendments were thereafter signed into law by the County Executive and enacted in March 2024.

About the Pine Barrens

The Long Island Pine Barrens Region, also referred to as the Long Island Pine Barrens Preserve, Central Pine Barrens Area, Core Preservation Area or Compatible Growth Area, is Long Island’s largest natural area and its last remaining wilderness, covering more than 100,000 acres.
The Pine Barrens Region overlays and recharges a vast portion of Long Island’s sole-source aquifer. All of Long Island’s drinking water comes from underground wells fed by this aquifer. The majority of the Carmans River and Peconic River and their watersheds exist within the Pine Barrens. The Pine Barrens are a vital stopping point for various species of migratory birds and Long Island’s last undisturbed home to a vast array of local wildlife.

The health of all of Long Island is utterly dependent on the integrity of the Pine Barrens. In recognition of its extreme ecological significance – not just as a wildlife preserve but sole source of drinking water – New York State enacted the Long Island Pine Barrens Maritime Reserve Act in 1990 and, along with it, the Central Pine Barrens joint planning and policy commission.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Adriana Noyola and Jeremy Williams of the District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Thomas Smith of the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney Squad, with investigative assistance provided by members of the Suffolk County Park Rangers.

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Russell Defreitas

Russell Defreitas was Convicted after a Jury Trial of 92 Counts

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 29 that Russell Defreitas, 55, of Holbrook, also known as “Merc,” was sentenced to 53 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of Operating as a Major Drug Trafficker, and 91 other charges, for his role in a large-scale cocaine and fentanyl trafficking operation in Suffolk County which caused two fentanyl overdose deaths.

“Today’s sentencing of this major trafficker, while significant, highlights the urgent need for stronger legislation. The passage of Chelsey’s Law in New York State would give prosecutors additional tools to hold dealers accountable when their products cause death,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This defendant’s actions directly led to two overdose fatalities, yet our current laws don’t allow us to charge these preventable deaths as the homicides that they are. Chelsey’s Law would ensure that those who profit from dealing deadly substances face consequences proportionate to the devastation they cause in our communities.”

The evidence at trial established that, in September 2022, law enforcement responded to a fatal overdose in Holbrook. Members of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office East End Drug Task Force endeavored to investigate the circumstances surrounding the overdose.

Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement learned that Defreitas was a member of a large-scale organization in Suffolk County that was conspiring to sell substantial amounts of crack cocaine and fentanyl, using loaded firearms to protect their narcotics empire.

On March 9, 2023, a male and female were in a hotel room rented by Defreitas. When the female overdosed in the hotel room, Defreitas directed his associates not to call 911. Defreitas removed drugs and other evidence from the hotel room and then went to eat at a nearby Wendy’s. Hours later, Defreitas allowed one of his associates to call 911. By that time, both the female and male had fatally overdosed in the hotel room.

Defreitas was arrested on March 11, 2023, while staying in another hotel. That same day, members of law enforcement executed search warrants at Defreitas’ hotel room, his trailer in Holbrook, and his vehicle that was used for drug trafficking. During those searches, law enforcement recovered cocaine, fentanyl, two loaded firearms, cutting agents, drug packaging materials, scales used to weigh narcotics, and numerous hotel room key cards. Additionally, at the time of his arrest, Defreitas was found to be in possession of bank cards in the names of two of his overdose victims.

On May 18, 2023, Defreitas testified at a court proceeding on his own behalf. The evidence at trial showed that during that proceeding, he repeatedly lied under oath about his drug dealing activity.

On March 11, 2025, exactly two years after Defreitas was arrested, he was convicted of the following 92 counts, after a jury trial that was conducted before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony Senft:

  •   One count of Operating as a Major Drug Trafficker, a Class A-I felony;
  •   Eight counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, Class A-Ifelonies;
  •   10 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, Class A-IIfelonies;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a ClassA-II felony;
  •   One count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony;
  •   Six counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class Bfelonies;
  •   45 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class Bfelonies;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D violent felonies;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   Three counts of Perjury in the First Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Tampering with Physical Evidence, a Class E felony;
  •   Five counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, ClassA misdemeanors; and
  •   Six counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, Class Amisdemeanors.
    On April 29, 2025, Defrietas was sentenced to 53 years in prison. He represented himself.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jacob T. Kubetz and Raquel G. Tisi of the Narcotics Bureau, with assistance from Paralegal Lisa Zimmerman, Research Analyst Brooke Baade, and Investigative Auditor Carlos Gutama, of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation was conducted by Detective Investigator William Warren of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s East End Task Force.

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

George Hackett Pleaded Guilty in March to Speeding While Impaired by Drugs When He Caused a Fatal Two-Car Crash and Then Fled the Scene

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 29 that George Hackett, 54, of Wading River, was sentenced to eight to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty in March to Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, and other related charges, for his involvement in the June 2023 high-speed crash on Sunrise Highway in East Quogue that caused the death of Franklin Blake, 82, of Queens.

Franklin Blake

“Today’s sentencing is just, but it can never heal the tragic loss of the Blake family,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The defendant’s reckless decision to drive at excessive speed showed a complete disregard for human life and safety. Our office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who endanger public safety on our roadways.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on June 8, 2023, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Hackett was under the influence of a combination of THC, a compound that is the main active ingredient of cannabis, and Xanax while driving a black 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe eastbound on Sunrise Highway in East Quogue.

Hackett was driving between Exits 64 and 65 at speeds up to 113 miles per hour when he struck the rear end of a 2010 Nissan Armada operated by the victim, Franklin Blake. Blake’s car was thrown into the woods, and Blake died as a result of the injuries that he sustained in the crash.

Hackett’s vehicle rolled over but landed upright, and he continued driving eastbound on Sunrise Highway until his car broke down less than a mile east of the crash site. Hackett was found more than a mile away from his vehicle, walking on Route 24 in Flanders away from the crash scene. At the time of the crash, Hackett was on parole for Assault in the First Degree. He had three prior Driving While Intoxicated convictions, once in 1995 and twice in 2016.

On March 28, 2025, Hackett pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski to the following charges:

  •   Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a Class B felony;
  •   Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class D felony;
  •   Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
  •   Driving While Impaired by the Combined Influence of Drugs, a Class D felony;
  •   Two counts of Driving While Impaired by Drugs, a Class D felonies; and
  •   Reckless Driving, an unclassified misdemeanor.

    On April 29, 2025, Justice Pilewski sentenced Hackett to eight to 16 years in prison. The District Attorney’s Office recommended that the defendant be sentenced 12 1⁄2 to 25 years in prison, the maximum sentence on the top count of the indictment. He was represented by Ian Fitzgerald, Esq.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Raymond Varuolo and James McCormack of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Investigator Michael Milbauer of the New York State Police.

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