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Dr. Rachel Ndembera, right, presented a Certificate of Pride to New Lane Memorial Elementary School First-Grade Teacher Alyssa Hughes, left, and Dawnwood Middle School Science Teacher Shawn Pleickhardt. Photo courtesy of Middle Country Central School District

Several staff members and one student in the Middle Country Central School District were honored at the most recent Board of Education meeting for their exemplary achievements in their school and community.

Board of Education President Dawn Sharrock presented a Certificate of Pride acknowledging New Lane Memorial Elementary School fifth-grade student Reagan Attianese. Photo courtesy of MCCSD

Board of Education Trustees Deborah Mann-Rodriguez and Doreen Feldmann presented Certificates of Appreciation to District teachers Michele Bradley, Traci Bernardino, Peggy Derasmo, Lauren Filomena, Karen Stratton and Liz Scott Pothier for guiding Career and Technical Educations students as they successfully completed their Career Exploration Challenge. All teachers championed the program with pride as they helped promote it through the Middle Country Business Advisory Board.

District Director of Science and Research PK-12 Dr. Rachel Ndembera presented a Certificate of Pride to New Lane Memorial Elementary School First-Grade Teacher Alyssa Hughes, who recently received the Elementary Level Science Teacher of the Year Award from the Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS). She was honored for her exemplary performance as a science teacher, her outstanding leadership and her dedication to professional learning.

Dr. Ndembera also presented a Certificate of Pride to Dawnwood Middle School Science Teacher Shawn Pleickhardt, who recently received the 2025 STEM Star Teacher Award from the Long Island Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Education Leadership Association (LISTEMELA).

District Director of ELA and Grant Funded Opportunities PK-12 Dr. Kyrie Siegel presented a Certificate of Pride to Raymond Sabini, a dedicated Jericho Elementary School fourth-grade teacher and established author known as Raymond Bean. When he isn’t teaching or writing children’s literature, Mr. Sabini dedicates his time to inspiring others and sharing his writing expertise. He has presented numerous times at the District’s Literacy and Humanities Expos and has facilitated after-school professional development sessions regarding the integration of Artificial Intelligence into the writing and publishing process. Last month, Mr. Sabini served as the keynote speaker of the Long Island Language Arts Council’s May Literacy Event.

Board of Education President Dawn Sharrock presented a Certificate of Pride to New Lane Memorial Elementary School fifth-grade student Reagan Attianese, who has qualified for the National Olympic Junior Luge team. In order to make the team, Reagan competed against 1,000 other children and completed numerous trials demonstrating her skills and dedication.    

For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.

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Suffolk County Police have arrested a Middle Island man for burglarizing multiple Shirley businesses during the past several weeks.

A man broke into Carlo’s Pizza, located at 451 Glen Drive, at approximately 3 a.m. on July 6 and stole cash. Following an investigation by Seventh Squad detectives, George Dimou was identified as the man who committed that burglary as well as other recent burglaries.

Detectives arrested Dimou at approximately 5:45 p.m. on July 6 and charged him with five counts of Burglary 3rd Degree for burglarizing:

  • Andy’s Nails, 411 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley, on June 2.
  • Carvel, 492 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley, on June 15, June 22 and July 5.
  • Carlo’s Pizza, 451 Glen Drive, Shirley, on July 6.

Dimou was also charged with three counts of Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th Degree.

Dimou, 55, was scheduled to be arraigned today at First District Court in Central Islip.

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

 

Stolen vehicles recovered from Suffolk County lot. Photo from Suffolk County D.A.'s office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on July 7 that Tiansi Gong, 26, of Manhattan, Kevin McCarthy, 31, of Selden, and Matthew Hibner, 36, of Huntington Station, were indicted for Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, and several other related charges, for allegedly purchasing high-end vehicles through identity theft.

“Identity theft crimes cause serious financial and emotional trauma to victims, but when defendants escalate to violence against law enforcement, they cross an even more dangerous line,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Our office is committed to holding accountable those who prey on innocent victims and endanger the safety of our officers.”

“The defendants are accused of sweeping crimes that demonstrated a propensity toward violence and a blatant disregard for the public’s safety and well-being,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “HSI New York is proud to work with our law enforcement partners in our shared commitment to dismantling criminal organizations’ intent on harming innocent New Yorkers.”

“This case highlights the lengths criminals will go to defraud the American public. These individuals expected to capitalize from identity theft and joyride in their ill-gotten gains, however when you use the U.S. Mail for illegal activity, you should also expect to be caught and brought to justice.” said USPIS New York Division Acting Inspector in Charge Ed Gallashaw. “We commend the work of the Suffolk County Police Department Auto Crimes Unit and our law enforcement partners for putting the brakes on this high-speed crime.”

According to the investigation, in April 2025 the Suffolk County Police Department Property Auto Crimes Unit launched a probe into a number of stolen high-end vehicles. Detectives initially traced the vehicles to a lot on Zorn Avenue in Yaphank where they observed McCarthy and Hibner driving three stolen vehicles on a number of occasions in late April. McCarthy and Hibner were observed driving a 2022 Dodge Challenger, a 2025 Cadillac CT5, and a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro (a photograph of the three vehicles is attached).

On May 1, 2025, McCarthy was observed driving the stolen Challenger from the Zorn Avenue lot to a 7-Eleven convenience store in Bellport when law enforcement attempted to stop him. After law enforcement identified themselves and tried to arrest McCarthy, he refused to stop his vehicle. His girlfriend Emily Figueroa, 42, of Coram, was a passenger in the vehicle during the exchange. When the detective attempted to lean into McCarthy’s driver side window to arrest him, McCarthy put the Challenger in reverse, rammed the unmarked police vehicle behind him, accelerated the speed, and pushed the police vehicle several feet backwards. McCarthy then placed the Challenger into drive and sped away, dragging the detective and injuring him. During the flight, Figueroa allegedly concealed McCarthy’s loaded firearm. Figueroa also allegedly paid for a ridesharing service after they ditched the Challenger to flee.

McCarthy was apprehended a short time later at Figueroa’s residence. During his arrest, McCarthy allegedly possessed a loaded .9mm semiautomatic pistol, over one-half ounce of cocaine, methamphetamine, and psilocybin, commonly referred to as mushrooms. McCarthy also had in his possession over 40 vehicle titles and keys to 58 different vehicles.

That same day, at a simultaneous surveillance taking place in Huntington Station, Hibner was arrested near his residence as he entered a stolen Chevrolet Camaro.

Also, on May 7, 2025, a court authorized search warrant was obtained to search the Zorn Avenue Lot in Yapank. During the execution of the warrant, law enforcement discovered several more stolen vehicles, including a stolen 2025 Cadillac CT5.

Detectives then traced the stolen vehicles and discovered that the Dodge Challenger that McCarthy fled police with, the Chevrolet Camaro Hibner was about to enter during his arrest, and the Cadillac CT5 at the Zorn Avenue lot, were each allegedly purchased from dealerships with stolen identities. Detectives contacted the identity theft victims and found that over half a million dollars in vehicle loans had been fraudulently opened in their names. The victims were initially unaware that their credit was used to purchase the cars. Law enforcement spoke to the car dealerships where the stolen cars were purchased and, in each instance, dealership employees identified Gong as the alleged individual who used stolen identities to purchase the vehicles.

Investigation into the stolen vehicles’ registration addresses led back to Gong’s Roosevelt Island apartment located at 888 Main Street, New York.

On May 29, 2025, a court authorized search warrant was executed on Gong’s apartment. Law enforcement recovered financial records linking him to the stolen cars. Additionally, law enforcement recovered financial documents pertaining to 33 other identities. These documents included financial records such as investment and retirement accounts. Law enforcement has identified some of the victims and is continuing to work to identify all potential victims.

One of the victims whose identity had been stolen works full time for Uber driving a minivan. Gong allegedly used this victim’s identity to purchase a Cadillac with a retail value of $200,000. In December 2024, Gong was pulled over for traffic violation by the NYPD and presented this victim’s identification. Because Gong used the stolen identification, he caused traffic tickets and the associated Driver Violation Points to be issued in the identity theft victim’s name and jeopardized the license and victim’s work as an Uber driver.

To date, over 35 potential identity theft victims have been identified.

On June 25, 2025, McCarthy was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Philip Goglas for the following charges contained in the indictment:

  •   Scheme To Defraud in the First Degree, a Class E felony;
  •   Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony.
  •   Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony;
  •   Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony;
  •   Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class A felony;
  •   Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor;
  •   Attempted Escape in the First Degree, a Class D felony; and
  •   Criminal Mischief, a Class E felony.

Justice Goglas ordered McCarthy held on $750,000 cash, $2,000,000 bond or $10,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. McCarthy is due back in court on August 19, 2025, and faces 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Joseph Cozzo, Esq.

On June 30, 2025, Figueroa was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Philip Goglas for Hindering Prosecution in the Second Degree, a Class E felony.

Justice Goglas ordered Figueroa released from jail without bail because her charge is considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail. Figueroa is due back in court on July 28, 2025, and faces 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison if convicted on the top count. She is being represented by Jeremy Scileppi, Esq.

On June 25, 2025, Gong was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Philip Goglas for Scheme to Defraud in The First Degree, a Class E Felony, and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony.

Justice Goglas ordered Gong held on $750,000 cash, $1,500,000 bond or $7,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Gong is due back in court on July 31, 2025, and faces 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Kenneth Kushner, Esq.

On July 7, 2025, Hibner was arraigned on the indictment before, Acting Supreme Court Justice Philip Goglas for:

  •   Scheme To Defraud in the First Degree, A Class E felony;
  •   Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony.
  •   Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree, a Class D felony; and
  •   Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree, a Class D felony.

Justice Goglas ordered Hibner released on his own recognizance because his charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail.

Hibner is due back in court on August 25, 2025, and faces 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Eric Franz, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Janine Santorelli of the Grand Jury Unit and Jacob Kubetz of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Michelle Baker of the Suffolk County Police Department Auto Crimes Unit. The investigation also included members of the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, United States Postal Inspectors, and Department of Homeland Security Investigations.

 

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Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit detectives are investigating a hit-and-run crash that seriously
injured a pedestrian in Melville on July 5.

Nadil Ceka was looking at a disabled vehicle while standing on the shoulder of southbound Bagatelle
Road, south of Dix Woods Drive, when he was struck by a vehicle that left the scene at approximately
1:10 p.m. The vehicle, possibly a gray Hyundai, fled southbound on Bagatelle Road.

Ceka, 58, of Brooklyn, was transported via ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in
West Islip for treatment of serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Case Unit detectives at 631-852-6555 or Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

Pictured from left is Vice President of the Mount Sinai-Miller Place Chamber of Commerce Maureen Bond, Legislative Aide Quentin Palifka from Legislator Chad Lennon’s office, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, owners Jon Kopstein and Ashley Kopstein, and their children Aiden Kopstein and Lilly Kopstein. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On June 25, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined community members and local business leaders to celebrate the grand opening of The BlackSheep, a new eatery in Miller Place, located at 465 Route 25A, in the former Maggie’s Eatery location.

Councilwoman Bonner presented the owners with an official Certificate of Congratulations on behalf of the Town of Brookhaven at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“I’m excited to welcome The BlackSheep to Miller Place and look forward to seeing it become a staple in the neighborhood,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “It’s always inspiring to see a local business that brings people together through creativity and great food.”

Kopstein, a Port Jefferson resident and longtime chef, took over the location earlier this spring and has transformed it into a cozy, art-filled space that celebrates local talent and individuality. Formerly a sous chef at Maggie’s, Kopstein has launched The BlackSheep as his first independent venture, offering an inventive American fusion menu and an inclusive atmosphere.

In addition to offering lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, The BlackSheep features artwork from community members and students, each interpreting the idea of a “black sheep” in their own unique way — a nod to the restaurant’s mission of embracing creativity and celebrating those who stand out.

Pictured from left is Vice President of the Mount Sinai-Miller Place Chamber of Commerce Maureen Bond, Legislative Aide Quentin Palifka from Legislator Chad Lennon’s office, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, owners Jon Kopstein and Ashley Kopstein, and their children Aiden Kopstein and Lilly Kopstein.

For more information, call 631-828-5554.

On June 30, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, in the Port Jefferson Union Free School District, hosted a prom unlike any other on Long Island. A yearly tradition since the 1950s, the prom brings together the Port Jefferson community to create a magical night and celebrate the Class of 2025’s accomplishments.

Port Jefferson’s prom is a true community-wide affair, with close to 100 residents taking the weekend to build the event’s setting—completely transforming the school and its gymnasium. The prom is the latest on Long Island, taking place after graduation so that the town’s prom-builders have the opportunity to build out the year’s theme in complete secrecy. The community spirit throughout the prom’s process is so strong that most of the Port Jefferson residents who help no longer have children attending school in the District.

The theme, kept secret from the students, was inspired by the novel The Great Gatsby. The school’s gymnasium was decorated with Roaring Twenties-themed decorations and activities, taking students completely by surprise as they arrived. When the Class of 2025 pulled up to the school, they did so in luxury cars, limousines and even a firetruck—greeted by a crowd of cheering community members serving as paparazzi.

“This long standing tradition is something that the community looks forward to every year,” said John Ruggero, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Principal. “I am so thankful to everyone who aided in making this event possible for the Class of 2025. I am proud to be a part of a community that values showing up for one another and for the next generation.”

For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website at https://www.portjeffschools.org and follow its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PortJeffSchools.  

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Suffolk County Police arrested a woman for killing her boyfriend in their Coram home on July 4.

After a physical confrontation Ashley Guimont shot and killed her boyfriend, Alex Carter at 702
Townehouse Drive in Coram at approximately 2:30 a.m. After shooting Carter, Guimont called 911.
Carter, 47, was transported to John T. Mather Memorial Hospital in Port Jefferson, where he was
pronounced dead.

Guimont, 44, was arrested and charged with Murder 2nd Degree by Homicide Squad detectives.She will be held overnight at the Fourth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on July 5.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.

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The Suffolk County Police Department, assisted by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, arrested three motorists during an overnight sobriety checkpoint in Huntington on July 4.

Police officers from the Suffolk County Police Department’s Highway Patrol Bureau SAFE-T Team conducted a joint sobriety checkpoint operation with Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs at the LIRR parking lot, located at Route 110 and Church Street, at 11 p.m. on July 4 until 2:30 a.m. on July 5. Volunteers and staff from STOP DWI Program also assisted, giving educational information to motorists.

The checkpoint was part of a holiday weekend enforcement crackdown targeting alcohol and drug impaired driving. A total of 245 vehicles went through the checkpoint.

The following was charged with allegedly Driving While Intoxicated: Miles Works, 32, of Locust Valley

The following were charged with allegedly Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs:

  • Jacob Charvat, 30, of West Babylon
  • James Russo, 19, of East NorthportThe above arrestees will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on July 5th.

Photo from Emma Clark Library

An annual summer tradition, Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will be collecting nonperishable food items from July 7 to August 17.

Food pantries often see bare shelves during the summer and need help with restocking items for those who are food insecure. Library teen & tween volunteers will be distributing the items to various local food pantries and nonprofit organizations throughout the community.

A donation table will be located in the Library lobby to the left of the Circulation Desk, and all are welcome to donate during Library hours. Some suggestions for food items include cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, beans, tuna fish, juice, gum, snacks (pretzels, granola bars, trail mix, cookies), pasta, and pasta sauce.

If you have any questions about the Food Drive or would like to become a teen/tween volunteer, you may contact [email protected].

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Suffolk County Police arrested a man on July 3 for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol with his child and grandchild in the vehicle in Lake Grove.

Fourth Precinct officers responded to a home on Crotty Avenue and determined the driver of a 2007
Honda CR-V, Michael Morris, was under the influence of alcohol and arrested him at 5:53 p.m. His
child and grandchild, ages two and three, were in the vehicle. Child Protective Services was notified.

Morris, 47, of Lake Grove, was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, an E felony, Aggravated DWI
under Leandra’s Law, an E felony, Criminal Contempt 2nd Degree, a misdemeanor, and two counts of
Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a misdemeanor.

The Honda was impounded.

Morris will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on July 4.