CLOSE
Authors Posts by Press Release

Press Release

5857 POSTS 0 COMMENTS

by -
0 663
David Trent

David Trent Pleaded Guilty in September 2024

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Oct. 30 that David Trent, 19, of Mastic Beach, was sentenced to 28 years in prison after pleading guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, and other related charges, for shooting and killing Jorge Mauricio Sevilla Barrera and injuring two others outside of the Minx Nightclub in Farmingville, as well as the armed robbery of a Lyft driver that occurred in Wading River. Trent was one of 18 defendants indicted in December 2022 following a long-term investigation into violence committed by a criminal street organization, “No Fake Love,” also known as the “NFL.”

“We are satisfied that this lengthy sentence will keep this violent offender off the streets of Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This was a violent and brutal act and now this defendant will be held accountable for his indefensible actions.”

As established by the investigation and guilty plea allocution, on December 5, 2021, Trent, a member of the violent street gang No Fake Love, and his associates were gathered in the parking lot of the Minx nightclub in Farmingville. Jorge Mauricio Sevilla Barrera and his friends were walking through the parking lot after exiting the nightclub and an argument ensued. The argument turned physical, then Trent went to the vehicle that he arrived in, retrieved a firearm, and shot Barrera.

Trent and another individual then kicked Barrera while he was on the ground, before Trent stood over Barrera and shot him again, killing him. Trent and his associates then got into their vehicle and Trent leaned out of the window and fired multiple shots while the vehicle was fleeing the scene. Two additional victims suffered non-fatal injuries in the shooting.

Additionally, on April 13, 2022, Trent, along with co-conspirators Shati Roy, Jr. and Corey Foggy, ordered a Lyft rideshare car to an address in Wading River. When the driver arrived, Trent, Roy, and Foggy entered the rear of the vehicle. A short time into the trip, Roy reached over and repeatedly struck the driver about the head and body. Trent and Roy then both pointed guns at the driver’s head and stated to each other and the driver several times, “Shoot him! Get out of the car.” During this time, Foggy exited the vehicle and forcibly pulled the driver out of the vehicle, causing the driver to fall to the ground. Roy then jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off with Trent still in the rear. Roy then ripped out the dashboard camera and threw it onto the road (the camera was later recovered by investigators and captured the entire incident). Both Roy and Foggy have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this robbery and carjacking.

On September 30, 2024, Trent pleaded guilty to the following charges before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr.:

  •   One count of Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   Two counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Class B violent felonies;
  •   One count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a Class B felony;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent

    felonies;

  •   One count of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony; and
  •   One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony.

    On October 30, 2024, Justice Senft sentenced Trent to 28 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He was represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Martha Duffy and Donald Barclay of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by District Attorney Investigator Jean Graf of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Gang Task Force.

by -
0 373
Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner and volunteer Brian McCaffrey. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner's office

On October 26, Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Coastal Steward Long Island volunteer Brian McCaffery attended the Shellfish Restoration Project event at Mt. Sinai Harbor. The organization and volunteers placed 50,000 oysters in both the Mt. Sinai and Port Jefferson Harbor sites. It was the final Shellfish Restoration Project oyster release of 2024. They were raised at the Town of Brookhaven Mariculture Facility at Mt Sinai Harbor until May and June 2024. 

The 20 mm oysters were donated to the Coastal Steward, a not-for-profit group that volunteers for the Town of Brookhaven. The Coastal Steward then grows the oysters as part of their Mariculture Restoration Program until they plant them in October on a Town Management Area in Port Jefferson Harbor.

Coastal Steward Long Island received 75,000 small Eastern oysters, raised at the Town of Brookhaven Mariculture facility at Mt. Sinai Harbor and divided into 75 bags. With the help of volunteers, the bags were placed in large growing cages and submerged. Throughout the summer and fall, their health and growth were monitored. In addition, every two weeks the oysters are removed from their cages and cleaned to prevent overgrowth of algae and other organisms that may inhibit their growth. For more information about the Coastal Steward Shellfish Restoration Project, go to www.coastalsteward.org.

by -
0 360
1 of 5
Town of Smithtown’s Trunk or Treat 2024
Town of Smithtown’s Trunk or Treat 2024
Town of Smithtown’s Trunk or Treat 2024
Town of Smithtown’s Trunk or Treat 2024
Costume drive

The Town of Smithtown celebrated a weekend of Halloween excitement with two community events that delighted families and spread some early festive cheer. The festivities began on Saturday, October 19th, with the annual Ghosts and Goblins Day, hosted by the Town of Smithtown Recreation Department at Browns Road Park in Nesconset. More than 250 children and their families gathered for a fun-filled afternoon, featuring pony rides, music, games, prizes, and a balloon artist. Many attendees donned their Halloween costumes, adding a spooky flair to the event.

Ghosts and Goblins Day was a free event for Smithtown residents, offering entertainment for the entire family. In addition to the activities, attendees generously contributed non-perishable food items, which were later delivered to the Smithtown Food Pantry. Donors received raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes in a raffle held during the event.
On Sunday, October 20th, the Halloween celebrations continued with the Town of Smithtown’s Trunk or Treat event in the parking lot at Town Hall. The event, organized by the Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau in partnership with the Supervisor’s Office, Public Safety, and the Parks Department, attracted over 300 families, who enjoyed treats from more than 25 creatively decorated trunks. Participants also enjoyed games, music, and plenty of Halloween fun.
“We are very happy that we were able to serve over 100 families with these fun family events. We are so thankful to the community members and town employees who participated. Everyone’s collaboration together added to its success,” said Executive Director of the Youth Bureau, Janine Marc-Anthony.
The event saw contributions and participation from local community organizations, town departments, and businesses, including the Animal Shelter, the Youth Advisory Board, Mathnastium, The Smithtown Library, Podcat Farms, The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, and their students, Dawn Viola’s Team at Caldwell Banker American Homes, NorthShore Psychological Services.
In the days leading up to the weekend, the Smithtown Youth Bureau partnered with Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Troop 552 to distribute over 130 Halloween costumes to families in need. The troop, along with their leaders and families, collected costumes and set up a “shopping” area in the community room, where families could find the perfect costumes for their children.
Both events and the costume drive were huge successes, highlighting the spirit of community and giving back during the Halloween season. From the fun-filled games and activities to the charitable efforts of costume donations and food drives, the weekend provided something for everyone to enjoy.

by -
0 383
1 of 8
Scene from Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk celebration on Oct. 20.
Scene from Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk celebration on Oct. 20.
Scene from Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk celebration on Oct. 20.
Scene from Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk celebration on Oct. 20.
Scene from Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk celebration on Oct. 20.
Scene from Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk celebration on Oct. 20.
Scene from Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk celebration on Oct. 20.
Scene from Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk celebration on Oct. 20.

Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk (VNSHS) recently marked a significant milestone in its history, celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Hospice House. The commemorative event, held on Sunday, October 20th at The Paramount Founder’s Room in Huntington, honored two decades of compassionate end-of-life care and highlighted the ongoing importance of hospice services in the community.

Established in 2004, Hospice House stands as a testament to VNSHS’s commitment to providing care with compassion and dignity. Located at 101 Laurel Road in East Northport, this eight-bedroom facility has served as a homelike haven for over 6,500 patients and their families during their final days together.

“For 20 years, Hospice House has been a beacon of comfort and support for our community,” said Silvia Cota, Chief Executive Officer of VNSHS. “It’s more than just a facility; it’s a place where families can find peace and acceptance during one of life’s most challenging moments.”

The anniversary celebration, which drew more than 150 guests, featured the Grammy Award-winning sounds of Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks. The event successfully raised over $45,000, funds that will directly support VNSHS’s vital healthcare services.

VNSHS’s history of care extends far beyond Hospice House. Founded in 1952 as a home nursing agency, VNSHS has maintained its status as an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare throughout Suffolk County.

“Our Hospice House is a crucial part of our comprehensive care model,” explained Cota. “It complements our extensive home health and hospice services, ensuring that we can meet the diverse needs of our patients and their families, whether at home or in our facility.”

The success of Hospice House and VNSHS’s broader services is attributed to its team of skilled professionals and dedicated volunteers. Their commitment to treating every patient with kindness and dignity has been the cornerstone of the VNSHS’s mission for over seven decades.

As VNSHS looks to the future, it remains committed to its founding principles of charitable and compassionate healthcare. The organization continues to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape while maintaining its human touch, a quality that has distinguished it since its inception.

For more information about Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk and its services, please visit www.visitingnurseservice.org or call 631.930.9310.

About Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk:

Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk is a not-for-profit healthcare agency providing skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice care, and community health services throughout Suffolk County. With a history dating back to 1952, VNSHS is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients and support to their families.

by -
0 358
1 of 2
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD
Do you recognize this woman? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate two people who allegedly stole from a Lake Grove store in September.

A man and a woman entered Sephora, located inside the Smith Haven Mall, at 1:30 p.m. on September 14 and allegedly stole approximately $1,000 worth of cosmetics.

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.

by -
0 659
METRO photo

 Heating Assistance is Available for Eligible Residents

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced on Oct. 30 that Suffolk County’s HEAP program begins November 1st. HEAP provides eligible households with their home heating expenses and emergencies throughout the winter months.

HEAP—the Home Energy Assistance Program—is a federally funded program that issues heating benefits to supplement the annual energy costs of eligible households. HEAP is administered in Suffolk County through the Department of Social Services (DSS). In addition, its alternate certifier, the Office for the Aging (OFA) assists in HEAP Early Outreach cases which are households that include seniors, the disabled, children under age 6 and last year’s regular HEAP recipients.

“When our most vulnerable residents can’t cover their fuel delivery or burner repair costs, and still put food on the table, they need to know we have funds available to help keep their heat on,” Suffolk County Executive, Edward P. Romaine, said. “HEAP is a safety net for homeowners and renters– because no one should have to choose between heating their home and feeding their family.”

Eligibility for regular HEAP benefits and the amount of assistance provided is based on factors that include household income, household size, the primary heating source, and in some cases the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older, or permanently disabled. Emergency HEAP benefits eligibility is based on factors including income, available resources, and the type of heat or heat-related emergency. Heating equipment cleaning, tuning, repairing and replacement help is also available.

Important eligibility information, including maximum income limits per household, is available at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/. Applications are accepted by mail, fax, online through www.mybenefits.ny.gov or in person at Suffolk County DSS locations in Deer Park, Smithtown, Coram and Riverhead. All non-emergency applications are processed at the same rate, so applying online is encouraged.

Anticipating a high volume of inquiries, the above DSS centers will have additional trained staff on hand to answer questions and assist applicants.

“If you or someone you know is struggling to pay for heating costs this winter please don’t wait to reach out to us—help is available now,” urged Suffolk County Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, John E. Imhof.  “We’re committed to supporting our community after business hours, too, so call us at (631) 854-9100 evenings, weekends and holidays for heat emergencies.”

Important application dates:

  • Regular HEAP with or without an emergency need opens Nov. 1, 2024;
  • Emergency HEAP and Emergency Heat-Related Utility benefits opens Jan. 2, 2025;
  • Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement & Clean and Tune benefits is open now;
  • HEAP Early Outreach criteria household benefits is open now.

Last year, HEAP assisted 52,000 Suffolk households with their home heating expenses and emergencies.

To learn more about the program visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/ or call the DSS HEAP Unit at (631) 853-8820 or OFA HEAP Line at (631) 853-8326.

by -
0 466
Bethpage Turkey Drive

The Bethpage Turkey Drive to benefit the Island Harvest Food Bank will take place on Friday, November 22, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bethpage’s headquarters located at 899 South Oyster Bay Road in Bethpage. This year marks the 16th anniversary of Long Island’s largest one-day food drive which to date, has donated more than 49,000 turkeys and over 236,000 pounds of food to Island Harvest which helps supply Thanksgiving holiday meals to families in our community.

Long Islanders are asked to donate frozen turkeys, non-perishable food items or cash donations. Bethpage’s Drive Through Donation Lanes will allow residents to remain in their cars while volunteers remove donations from the vehicles. The donations will go directly to Island Harvest Food Bank, which will help supply Thanksgiving meals to the more than 300,000 food-insecure Long Islanders through its distribution network of over 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, and other feeding programs on Long Island. Non-perishable food items needed include canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, boxed juices, and shelf-stable milk (please, no glass containers).

“Last year’s drive collected a record-breaking 4,425 turkeys, a number that has not be reached since the Bethpage Turkey Drive started in 2008,” said Linda Armyn, President and CEO, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. “We are so thankful for our network of community support, both businesses and individuals, who continue to donate each year to help families enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal. Bethpage is committed to doing everything we can to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors on Long Island. This event is special for us each year and more important than ever as the number of food insecure continues to grow.”

According to Feeding America’s 2022 Map the Meal Gap report for Long Island, there are approximately 221,190 people on Long Island who are food insecure, an increase of 58.3% from the 2021 estimate of 139,760 people. In 2022, the estimated number of children living with food insecurity is 44,780, a 63.4% increase from the estimated 27,580 children living with food insecurity in 2021.  For its fiscal year, Island Harvest Food Bank expects to distribute a record 20 million pounds of food to people who are food insecure in Nassau and Suffolk counties, far eclipsing the volume of food it provided during the pandemic.

“Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s enduring partnership has helped make a positive difference in the lives of Long Islanders facing food insecurity,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, President & CEO of Island Harvest Food Bank. “Their support and generosity, along with that of their members and Long Island’s business community, have enabled us to provide holiday-style meals – and hope for our neighbors in need for 16 years.”

Bethpage is once again issuing a Corporate Challenge encouraging local businesses and organizations to donate the largest number of frozen turkeys and non-perishables and then drop off their donations on November 22. To join the challenge, Long Island businesses and organizations can sign up here. In its inaugural year in 2023, H2M Architects & Engineers won the challenge by donating 702 turkeys. Bethpage awarded them with an ice cream truck sent to their office for all employees to enjoy.

For those unable to make a donation on November 22, or would rather show their support online, Bethpage is accepting online monetary donations. Every gift of $35 will help support a holiday meal for your Long Island neighbors. Donations can also be made at any Bethpage branch.

Patches will be given to all Girl Scouts who make a donation. Troop leaders can make a donation on behalf of troop members and bring back patches for the entire troop.

Since the first Bethpage Turkey Drive was organized in 2008, hundreds of community volunteers have come out to assist in the collection of more than 49,000 turkeys and over 236,000 pounds of food, which were then given to Long Island families facing hardship in time for the holidays. About 6,000 individuals receive food assistance from the Island Harvest Food Bank network each week.

by -
0 288

Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will present a Shed the Meds event on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from noon to 4 p.m.

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office hosts this safe way to properly dispose of unused medications, essential to protect the environment and ensure that old drugs don’t end up in the wrong hands.

Please note: The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office cannot accept any liquids, needles, creams, or ointments of any kind. They are only accepting unused or expired medications from individuals (not large quantities from a doctor’s office or health care facility).

This service is open to the public.  There is no need to register or to be a Three Village resident to participate. Questions? Email [email protected]

by -
0 413
Jennifer Kenney, Suffolk County Community College EAC Project Coordinator; Daphne M. Gordon, Ph.D., Suffolk County Community College Project Administrator; Joanne Laloi, Suffolk County Community College’s EAC client and the 2024 NYS Entrepreneur of the Year; Elizabeth Lusskin, Executive Vice President, Empire State Development Small Business & Technology Development; Bette Yee, Senior Director, Entrepreneur Development, Empire State Development; Earl Thomason Jr., Vice President of Entrepreneur Development, Empire State Development. Photo from SCCC

Suffolk County Community College Entrepreneurial Assistance Center (EAC) has won the 2024 New York State Entrepreneurship Assistance Center Award for Outstanding Performance and Achievement. The college received an award at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls, NY on October 10, 2024.

New York State Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers provide instruction, training, technical assistance and support services to new and aspiring entrepreneurs in local communities statewide and are strategically located throughout the state. The 26 centers assist new and aspiring entrepreneurs in developing basic business management skills, refining business concepts, devising early-stage marketing plans, and obtaining business financing.

Additionally, Joanne Laloi, a Suffolk County Community College EAC client, was a recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Joanne is an artist and the owner of Entremets Custom Cakes who transformed her passion into a thriving business. A graduate of Le Cordon Blue, she honed her technical skills in Paris. Despite her talent, she struggled with the business side of entrepreneurship. Realizing this gap, she seized the opportunity to expand her knowledge by taking the business plan course at Suffolk County Community College’s EAC.

by -
0 478
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 stole from a Selden store this month. A man stole headphones from Target, located at 307 Independence Plaza on October 14 at approximately 10:45 a.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.

Prev1...118119120...586Next Page 119 of 586
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©