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Press Release

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Police car. Stock photo

Suffolk County Police arrested a woman for allegedly driving while intoxicated following a North Patchogue motor vehicle crash that seriously injured a man on Nov. 27.

Aleshia Davis was driving a 2024 Audi Q7 southbound on Route 112 when her vehicle struck an eastbound 2011 Hyundai Sonata at the intersection of Sunrise Highway South Service Road at 12:35 a.m. Davis, 39, of Medford, was transported to Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue for treatmentof minor injuries. The driver of the Hyundai, Martin Darius, 41, of Shirley, was transported to Long Island Community Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Davis was charged with Driving While Intoxicated. The vehicles were impounded for safety checks. Detectives are asking anyone with information to call the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8552.

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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 a man who allegedly stole from a South Setauket store in November.

A man allegedly stole a coffee machine from Target, located at 265 Pond Path, at 7:57 p.m. on November 18. The merchandise was valued at approximately $400.

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 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 a man who allegedly stole from a Centereach store in November.

A man allegedly stole a sound bar from Walmart, located at 161 Centereach Mall, at approximately 12 p.m. on November 13. The merchandise was valued at approximately $500.

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.

Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook women’s basketball team kept Marist to just 12.1 percent from 3-point range (4-for-33) and 30.3 percent overall (20-for-66) on their way to a 69-49 win over the Red Foxes on Nov. 18. The victory marked the Seawolves third straight victory this season

The Seawolves (3-1) had three players score in double figures, led by Breauna Ware, who had a career-high 21 points and seven rebounds. Zaida Gonzalez added 20 points and eight rebounds as Chloe Oliver chipped in a career-high 15 points and three steals off the bench.

Stony Brook out-rebounded Marist 44-36, led by Gonzalez’s eight boards, while scoring 17 points off of 15 Red Fox turnovers.

HOW IT HAPPENED

After falling behind 2-0, Stony Brook went on a 15-0 run with 8:55 left in the first quarter. Stony Brook did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 14 of its 27 points close to the basket. Ware led through the opening frame with 12 points as Janay Brantley tallied three rebounds and three steals on the defensive end.

The Seawolves kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 6-0 run starting at the 6:41 mark in the second period, highlighted by a driving bucket from Oliver. Gonzalez led with six points as Oliver added five to showcase offensive dominance on their home court. Stony Brook forced five Marist turnovers in the period and turned them into five points.

Stony Brook continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a thrilling three from Oliver with one second to go in the quarter. Ware tallied six points to lead the Seawolves, going 2-for-2 from behind the arc. Those three-pointers from Oliver and Ware accounted for nine of the squad’s 13 points.

Stony Brook kept its lead going on a 6-0 run halfway through the fourth quarter, as Gonzalez scored eight points to power the Seawolves past Marist. The Red Foxes narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but Stony Brook cruised the rest of the way for the 69-49 win.

#84 Dez Williams scored two touchdowns during Saturday's game. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

In their last game of the season, Tyler Knoop threw for a career-high 408 yards while Dez Williams put up 134 receiving yards and two touchdowns as Stony Brook scored their most points since 2018 but the Monmouth Hawks exploded for 55 points, giving themselves the victory at LaValle Stadium on Nov. 23.  

The Hawks improved to 6-6 on the year and 4-4 in Coastal Athletic Association play, while the Seawolves fell to 8-4 overall and 5-3 in conference match-ups.

Knoop went 37-for-53 on the way to the 408-yard, three-touchdown outing with one interception. Roland Dempster led all Seawolves rushers with 95 yards in the contest, picking up 4.8 yards per carry. Dempster also added one receiving touchdown. Knoop also added 22 yards on the ground. Williams’ 134-yard, two-touchdown performance led the Stony Brook receiving corps. Jayce Freeman also hauled in five passes for 93 yards and Jasiah Williams chipped in with eight grabs for 81 yards as well.

Jordan Jackson showed out for the Stony Brook defense, collecting five tackles and one forced and recovered fumble. AJ Roberts had a team-high nine tackles, while Chayce Chalmers and Shamoun Duncan-Niusulu each tallied seven, respectively. 

Stony Brook also had an outstanding day offensively, racking up 559 total yards, 128 on the ground and 431 through the air, while averaging 6.2 yards per play. The Seawolves were keeping drives alive, converting on 43.8 percent of third-down attempts.

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

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R), District Attorney Ray Tierney (R), Legislator Trish Bergin (R-East Islip) and Department of Social Services (DSS) officials have unveiled sweeping reforms to the county’s Child Protective Services (CPS) system in response to the tragic Thomas Valva case.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. File photo

Under Romaine’s leadership, Suffolk County DSS has implemented measures aimed at improving services, enhancing interagency collaboration and focusing on the needs of vulnerable populations. The changes also promote open communication among stakeholders involved in social services.

“We took swift and significant action to reform the Suffolk County Department of Social Services to ensure that children in CPS are truly protected,” Romaine said. “We’ve allocated funds to fill vacancies, improve services, reform processes and ensure better training. These efforts will help prevent tragedies like the one experienced by Thomas Valva.”

District Attorney Tierney emphasized the importance of ensuring accountability. “We must never allow a tragedy like Thomas Valva’s to happen again,” he said. “I am proud of the work of the task force, in partnership with the new administration and Legislature, to enact the recommendations from the Grand Jury Report.”

Legislator Bergin echoed these sentiments, noting, “It was critical that the grand jury report not gather dust. We’ve worked diligently to implement necessary changes and ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.”

Key reforms to child protective services:

Quality improvements recognized by New York State

 The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) 2024 Program Quality Improvement Review reported substantial progress in Suffolk County’s CPS, Preventative/Protective Services and Foster Care systems. Many categories achieved a 100% compliance rate, reflecting the county’s renewed commitment to better serve families.

Implementation of blind removal policy

Suffolk County now uses a blind removal policy for CPS cases requiring a child’s removal from their family. This process excludes personal and demographic information about the child and family during decision-making, reducing potential biases.

Relocation of CPS abuse teams

CPS caseworkers investigating child abuse cases will relocate to the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Central Islip in December. The move allows caseworkers to collaborate closely with law enforcement and attorneys during investigations.

Interagency training initiatives

Since March 2024, DSS has conducted training sessions on child protection, trauma-informed care, forensic interviewing and multidisciplinary approaches to child abuse investigations. These sessions include participation from CPS staff, Suffolk County Police and legal professionals.

Legal training enhancements

In partnership with the County Attorney’s Office, DSS has improved training for handling sensitive abuse and neglect cases. This initiative strengthens collaboration between caseworkers and legal representatives.

Integration of adult protective services

 In September 2024, Adult Protective Services (APS) was reintegrated into the Family and Children’s Services Division. This change enhances collaboration between APS and CPS, particularly for developmentally disabled youths transitioning to adult services.

Specialized training for disabilities

More than 170 DSS employees have completed training at Daemen College, focusing on understanding and addressing the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Topics included autism, ADHD and other conditions.

Multidisciplinary training

 DSS, in collaboration with state and county partners, is expanding training for frontline workers to better serve children, adults with disabilities and older adults. Training emphasizes skills for investigating, prosecuting and protecting vulnerable populations.

Supervisor training

DSS is enhancing training for supervisory staff to develop a family-centered clinical model. This approach provides middle management with advanced decision-making tools and support for caseworkers.

Improved safety and security

DSS is equipping over 600 employees with a panic button app to instantly connect with emergency services, enhancing staff safety during high-stress situations.

Support for staff wellbeing

To combat burnout and compassion fatigue, DSS is offering additional support services to employees managing trauma from child welfare cases.

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright thanked Joan Nickeson for her extensive volunteer work at an event on Nov. 19. Photo from Legislator Englebright’s office

At a Nov. 19 event held at the Suffolk County Legislature building in Hauppauge, all 18 legislators recognized a nonprofit volunteer from their districts.

Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) honored Joan Nickeson for her volunteer efforts, particularly with the Cumsewogue Historical Society, (the historical society uses the traditional spelling of “Cumsewogue” to honor the area’s Native American roots,) as well as the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce. 

“Some constituents reinforce our sense of place through their demonstrative commitment to the things that make and define our communities, and Joan Nickeson, a prolific volunteer, is an example of such a person,” Englebright said. “She is one of the reasons that the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville community has so much heart.”

Nickeson, president of the Cumsewogue Historical Society, was a founding member of the nonprofit in 2009 and helped restructure the organization in recent years.Through presentations and Q&As, the society preserves the history of the area, which includes Port Jefferson Station and Terryville, fostering a sense of place for residents.

For more than five years, Nickeson has served as the community liaison director and recording secretary for the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce. She organizes activities such as fundraisers, summer concerts, ribbon-cuttings and holiday events.

Recently, Nickeson received the Volunteer of the Year Award from Literacy Suffolk for her work as a language-level tester for students.

Nickeson is also involved with Old Town Blooms, assisting with community planting projects, including bulb plantings along Old Town Road. In 2012, she was named The Port Times Record’s Environmentalist of the Year for her work with the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Civic Association’s Beautification Committee. Her efforts with the committee included collaborating with the Town of Brookhaven to expand the Terryville Greenbelt conservation area around Comsewogue High School.

Englebright described Nickeson as a “hometown hero” during the event and thanked her for her community service.

“Joan, through your personal example you have made us all proud of where we live,” Englebright said. “You have proven time and time again that you are an asset to our community and our county.”

Back row: (L to R) Dr. Donna Ciampa, Suffolk’s Interim Executive Dean, Michael J. Grant Campus; Dr. Hector Sepulveda, Suffolk’s Campus Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Michael J. Grant Campus; Dr. Irene Rios, Suffolk’s Executive Dean, Ammerman Campus; John McLoughlin, Executive Director, Enrollment Partnerships, St. George’s University; Athalie Alexander-Arrington, Associate Director of Admissions, St. George’s University; Iris Rodriguez (student) Vet Track; Michael Hector (student) Pharma Track; Jade Tordas (student) Medical Track; and representing St. John’s University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, one of Binghamton’s partnering institutions, Amy Wolfinger and Melissa Mirabella. Front row: (L to R): Laura Bruno, Vice President & Dean of Enrollment, St. George’s University; Dr. Edward Bonahue, President, Suffolk County Community College; and Maja Szostak, Director of Admissions, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences - Binghamton University. Photo courtesy of SCCC

Suffolk County Community College has announced transformative partnerships with Binghamton University in upstate Binghamton, New York and St. George’s University (SGU) in Grenada, West Indies to streamline the process for qualified graduates from Suffolk who are interested in transferring into medical, veterinary, and pharmacy doctoral degree programs at these universities. The new collaborations aim to provide local students with pathways to professional healthcare degrees.

A signing event, recently held at Suffolk County Community College’s Michael J. Grant Campus, featured remarks from key leaders in academia and healthcare. Students, faculty, and local elected officials also attended the announcement.

“These partnerships represent a significant step forward in providing our students with exceptional opportunities in healthcare. By offering pathways to advanced degrees in medicine, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy, we are helping to build a pipeline of highly trained professionals who will serve not only Suffolk County but the broader healthcare needs of our region. We are proud to work alongside St. George’s University and Binghamton University to make these dreams a reality for our students,” said Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College.

Partnership With Binghamton University

In partnership with Binghamton University, up to five seats per academic year based on highest GPA are reserved for well-qualified Suffolk County Community College students who meet specific criteria. These students will be guaranteed a smooth transition into Binghamton University’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. To qualify for these reserved seats, students must complete their Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Biology at Suffolk County Community College, as well as additional courses required by Binghamton University. After the five reserved seats are filled in this competitive program, other eligible Suffolk County Community College students may still apply, but admission is not guaranteed.

Maja Szostak, Director of Admissions, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University noted, “This partnership will help foster educational opportunities for students seeking a career in pharmacy by providing them with a clear pathway and the support necessary to succeed in this highly competitive field.”

Partnership with St. George’s University

“As we navigate through the complexities of healthcare in the 21st century, the demand for compassionate, skilled, and dedicated physicians has never been greater,” said Laura Bruno, Vice President & Dean of Enrollment, SGU. “But here in NY, despite having 15 medicals schools—the highest number in the country—our acceptance rate is less than 9%. The truth is there are simply not enough seats in U.S. medical schools. As a result, many highly qualified and passionate students find themselves feeling discouraged before they even apply and many others will face rejection despite their best efforts. I am here to say that there are alternative pathways to becoming a doctor and this exciting collaboration between our institutions offers one of the best, clear and unobstructed pathways to a seat in medical or veterinary school.”

“St. George’s University is delighted to offer this new opportunity for aspiring doctors and veterinarians from Suffolk County Community College to pursue degrees in medicine and veterinary medicine with us,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of St. George’s University School of Medicine. “SGU is tremendously proud to partner with SCCC and to offer multiple pathways to healthcare careers with flexible options to meet students’ different academic objectives.”

Suffolk County Community College offers two pathways for students aiming to pursue a career in medicine or veterinary medicine through the partnership with St. George’s University (SGU). The 2+2+4 Pathway allows students to complete an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Biology at Suffolk, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in a pre-medical or pre-veterinary program at an SGU partner university, and then transition into SGU’s four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.

The 2+5 Pathway allows students to enter SGU’s five-year MD program, which includes a pre-clinical year, two years of basic sciences, and two years of clinical rotations at SGU’s affiliated hospitals. To be eligible, students must complete all required coursework, maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better, and achieve competitive scores on relevant entrance exams like the MCAT or GRE

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 over 145,000 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 Binghamton University

Binghamton University’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SOPPS) is a research-focused professional school offering the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree as well as the Master of Science and PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The pharmacy school educates students who understand the value of evidence-based, patient-centered pharmaceutical care and innovative research, and scientists who will extend the knowledge base of pharmaceutical sciences in the areas of drug target discovery, drug testing and drug delivery. Our graduates will serve their communities in socially responsible ways to improve health and well-being.

About St. George University

St. George’s University is a center of international education, drawing students and faculty from 140 countries to the island of Grenada, in the West Indies, to its programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, public health, science, and business. SGU is affiliated with educational institutions worldwide, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The University’s over 31,000 graduates include physicians, veterinarians, scientists, and public health and business professionals across the world. St. George’s University School of Medicine is accredited by the Grenada Medical and Dental Council which has been recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). For more information, visit www.sgu.edu.

From left, Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, County Executive Ed Romaine and Pam Green

On Nov. 7, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio presented a proclamation to Pam Green, Executive Director of Kent Animal Shelter, to recognize the tireless and unwavering dedication of Kent in saving homeless animals over the past 55 years. 

The proclamation went on to say that the shelter is a beacon of hope and a haven of healing for animals that were abused or abandoned giving them a second chance in life. It was presented at the Kent Gala that was held at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead attended by 285 guests. Kent Animal Shelter is currently building new facilities at its Calverton location. The building project, expected to be completed in the spring of 2025, includes a new kennel and isolation facilities.

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Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the woman who allegedly used stolen credit cards in Huntington Station in September.

A woman allegedly used stolen credit cards at CVS, Target and Staples on September 26.

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.