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Joseph Drago

Suffolk County Police arrested a Huntington Station man on May 23 for allegedly possessing child pornography.

Following tips from the New York State Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Tampa Police
Department, Suffolk County Police Digital Forensics Unit detectives conducted an investigation into
Joseph Drago. With the assistance of Second Precinct officers, a search warrant was executed at Drago’s
home, located on Monaton Drive.

During the investigation it was determined Drago, who is a tennis instructor, had child pornography on
his cell phone as well as text messages with a 13-year-old girl of Colorado during which Drago sent
images of gift cards in exchange for inappropriate videos of the girl.

Drago, 28, of Huntington Station, was charged with allegedly Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class D Felony, and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class E Felony.

The investigation is continuing. Detectives are asking anyone with additional information or if you
believe you are a victim to call the Digital Forensics Unit at 631-852-6279.

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Jacob Levy
Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives today arrested Jacob Levy and charged him with two additional counts of Public Lewdness due to additional victims coming forward. He is being held overnight and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on May 24. Detectives are asking anyone who believes they may be a victim of Levy to call the Fourth Squad
at 631-854-8451.
Below is the original release.
Suffolk County Police have arrested a man for allegedly masturbating in his vehicle in front of a mother and her young daughter on April 22.
Photo from SCPD

A man driving a sky blue 2020 Honda Civic with black rims heading westbound on Route 347 pulled next to a vehicle driven by a woman, with her 6-year-old daughter as a passenger, at the intersection of Gibbs Pond Road and allegedly started masturbating in front of them on April 22 at approximately 3 p.m. He was naked from the waist down.

The mother exchanged words with the man, took down his license plate number and called police. The man fled in the Civic, turning right on Southern Boulevard heading northbound.

Following an investigation, Fourth Squad detectives arrested Jacob Levy today at 4:58 p.m.

Levy, 27, of Nesconset was charged with Public Lewdness 1st Degree, Public Lewdness, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was held overnight and scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on April 25.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on this incident, or who believes they may be a victim of Levy, to call the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8451.

 

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Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Police arrested two employees on May 23 for allegedly selling flavored vape products to an underage person at businesses in Coram.

As part of the department’s “Operation Smoke Out,” Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers conducted a
compliance check at four stores in relation to the sales of vape products and found two stores were not in
compliance.

Police arrested and charged the following people:
• Hussain Shaiq, 23, of Ronkonkoma, an employee of Koncept Smoke Shop, located at 35 Middle
Country Road in Coram, was charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree and
Unlawful Possession of Cannabis.

• Imonie Woody, 22, of Coram, an employee of Irie Vaporization Wellness and Scents
located at 2 Middle Country Road in Coram, was charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child
2nd Degree.

The two arrestees were issued a Field Appearance Ticket and are scheduled to be arraigned at First
District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

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Do you recognize this woman? 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 woman who allegedly stole merchandise from a Selden store in April.

A woman allegedly stole groceries from Target, located at 307 Independence Plaza, on April 20 at  approximately 11 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.

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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 Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole toys from a South Setauket store.

A man allegedly stole LEGOs from Target, located at 265 Pond Path, on May 19 at approximately 3:40 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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Police car

Suffolk County Police arrested three people on May 24 for allegedly selling vape products to underage people and one person for selling cannabis during a compliance check at businesses in the Second Precinct.

As part of the department’s “Operation Smoke Out,” Second Precinct Crime Section officers conducted compliance checks at 23 locations in the Town of Huntington and found four were not in compliance.

The following people were arrested and charged with Unlawfully Dealing with A Child 2nd Degree:

  • Utkucan Kilic, 28, of Huntington Station, an employee of Xtra Fuels, located at 201 Depot Road,Huntington Station
  • Gurvinder Singh, 30, of Bay Shore, an employee of Evolve Smoke Shop, located at 2066 JerichoTurnpike, East Northport
  • Jakub Pipota, 21, of Huntington Station, an employee of Gulf, located at 532 Walt WhitmanRoad, Melville

    The following person was arrested for Criminal Sale of Cannabis 3rd Degree:

• Santokh Walia, 55, of Hicksville, an employee of BP, located at 272 E. Jericho Turnpike,

Huntington Station

All four were issued Field Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to be arraigned on a later date.

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Pictured, from left, are Sophia Serlis-McPhillips, Library Director, Middle Country Public Library; Sal DiVincenzo, Coordinator of Digital Services, Middle Country Public Library; Edward Russo, Mortgage Loan Officer, TD Bank; Tom Kelly, Manager, TD Bank; and Elizabeth Malafi, Coordinator, Miller Business Center, Middle Country Public Library. Photo from MCPL

TD Bank recently provided a generous grant of $5,000 to the Middle Country Library Foundation in support of Strictly Business and the Women’s EXPO. 

As the Strictly Business Enterprise sponsor, TD Bank supports the library’s efforts to bring valuable educational, networking, and tradeshow experience to the local and regional business community. 

Held on May 7, the 16th annual Strictly Business event, a partnership between Middle Country Public Library’s Miller Business Center, the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, and the Brookhaven Chambers of Commerce Coalition, featured more than 80 local businesses and business organizations and welcomed over 550 attendees. 

The 24th Women’s EXPO, a showcase and a marketplace for Long Island women entrepreneurs, will be held on Oct. 10 and features more than 80 exhibitors and over 2,500 attendees each year.

Pictured, from left, are Sophia Serlis-McPhillips, Library Director, Middle Country Public Library; Sal DiVincenzo, Coordinator of Digital Services, Middle Country Public Library; Edward Russo, Mortgage Loan Officer, TD Bank; Tom Kelly, Manager, TD Bank; and Elizabeth Malafi, Coordinator, Miller Business Center, Middle Country Public Library. 

For more information about the many programs of the Miller Business Center, visit www.millerbusinesscenter.org. 

Photo courtesy of MCPL

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Carol Gomes with NYS Sen. Anthony Palumbo at Senate Women of Distinction event in Albany. Photo courtesy Office of Anthony Palumbo

State Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) proudly announced Carol Gomes as the 2024 New York State Woman of Distinction for the 1st Senate District at this year’s annual New York State Senate Women of Distinction event at the state capitol.

“Today marks a celebration of extraordinary dedication and leadership in health care,” Palumbo said. “It is my great privilege to honor Carol Gomes as my 2024 New York State Woman of Distinction.”

On Tuesday, May 14, Gomes of Mount Sinai, joined Palumbo and guests at the New York State Senate in Albany for her recognition. As chief executive officer of Stony Brook University Hospital, Gomes has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to excellence in health care.

“It is an honor and privilege to stand beside the many accomplished women leaders in New York State for this prestigious recognition,” Gomes said.

With over 35 years of experience, Gomes has played a pivotal role in elevating Stony Brook University Hospital to its status as Long Island’s premier academic medical center. Her leadership as CEO and COO has propelled the hospital to new heights of innovation and patient care.

Under Gomes’ guidance, Stony Brook Medicine completed its largest expansion project in 2019, including the opening of the Medical and Research Translation, Stony Brook Children’s and Hospital Pavilion. Her strategic vision and operational excellence have positioned Stony Brook University Hospital as a beacon of cutting-edge health care delivery.

“Carol Gomes’ remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication make her a true inspiration to us all,” Palumbo said. “Her leadership in health care has touched countless lives, and her commitment to excellence sets a standard for others to follow.”

As a recipient of numerous leadership awards, including recognition from the American Society of Clinical Pathology and recipient of the American College of Healthcare Executives Award of Distinction, Gomes’ impact extends far beyond the walls of Stony Brook University Hospital. Her leadership in sustainability efforts and commitment to quality care have earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers alike.

“Her contributions to health care in our community and beyond are immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” Palumbo said.

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Front row, from left, Deputy Director of Water Quality & Lab Services Chris Niebling, Director of Water Quality & Lab Service Thomas Schneider, CEO Jeffrey Szabo, and Chairman Charles Lefkowitz; back row, from left, SCWA employees Joseph Coppola, Christian Iniguez Ulloa, Janet Klug and Erdal Kadioglu. Photo courtesy of SCWA
Front row, from left, Deputy Director of Water Quality & Lab Services Chris Niebling, Director of Water Quality & Lab Service Thomas Schneider, CEO Jeffrey Szabo, and Chairman Charles Lefkowitz; back row, from left, SCWA employees Joseph Coppola, Christian Iniguez Ulloa, Janet Klug and Erdal Kadioglu. Photo courtesy of SCWA
SCWA's Supervisor of Receiving Erdal Kadioghu tours the new lab expansion with SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. Photo courtesy of SCWA

The Suffolk County Water Authority celebrated Drinking Water Week (May 5 to 11) with the opening of a new expansion of its state-of-the-art laboratory. The expansion will support SCWA’s mission of providing its customers with high quality drinking water.

SCWA’s water quality testing laboratory is recognized as one of the top groundwater laboratories in the nation. With the 191,047 tests performed last year producing 1.7 million results, it is at the front line of ensuring that SCWA is delivering high quality water. With a growing number of contaminants that water providers are required to test for, SCWA began an expansion of its laboratory in 2023.

The new area consolidates the collection of samples collected from SCWA’s public supply system around Suffolk County and distributes them throughout the laboratory so testing can occur for pesticides, herbicides, emerging contaminants, bacteria, metals and many other compounds. It also provides ample room within its existing laboratory to prepare for the future testing requirements. It is the laboratory’s largest expansion since it moved to its current location in Hauppauge in 1994.

SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz cut the ribbon on the new expansion, remarking “We are so proud of our state-of-the-art laboratory and the staff that makes it the finest in the nation. Wherever I go, I always talk about its importance so our customers will know the rigor and attention that goes into making sure their drinking water is of the highest quality. This expansion sets us up for the future and I am thrilled to be here to celebrate it.”

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Steven Reid

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on May 22 that Steven Reid, 27, of Calverton, was sentenced to 14 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision, after pleading guilty to attempted murder, assault, and other related charges, for opening fire at a candlelight vigil in Bellport in July 2023, and for his unprovoked attack on a corrections officer in December 2023, while he was in custody.

“This defendant’s brazen actions at a candlelight vigil followed by his violent attack on a corrections officer show a blatant disregard for the safety of others and the rule of law,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will continue to pursue justice relentlessly to ensure the safety and security of our community.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on July 6, 2023, more than 100 people gathered in Bellport to celebrate the life of a community member who had died in a motorcycle accident days before. At the end of the candlelight vigil, Reid became involved in a physical altercation with another man who attended the vigil.

During the altercation, Reid pulled out a gun and shot the man at point-blank range in the upper right thigh. The bullet shattered the man’s femur, passed through his leg, and lodged into his right

shin. Vigil attendees placed a tourniquet on the man’s leg and rushed him to the hospital where he underwent emergency orthopedic surgery to replace his shattered femur with metal rods and pins.

Minutes later, Reid followed the dispersed crowd and opened fire on another group of vigil attendees and shot at one man from close range. That victim suffered four gunshot wounds, including gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder, and both of his legs. Immediately thereafter, Reid opened fire at a female two times and then shot at another group of people, including a woman and a nine-year old boy, as they were running towards a nearby residence.

Reid fled Suffolk County and was apprehended in North Carolina. In September 2023, Reid was brought back to Suffolk County to face charges. On December 19, 2023, while in custody at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility, Reid assaulted a corrections officer without provocation.

On April 19, 2024, Reid pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice Anthony Senft to:

  •   Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony; and
  •   Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony.

    On May 22, 2024, Justice Senft sentenced Reid to 14 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He was represented by the Legal Aid Society.

    This case was prosecuted by the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Wilson Nieves of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fifth Squad, United States Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Taskforce, and the Warrant Enforcement Section and Computer Crimes Unit of the Suffolk County Police Department.

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