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

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the people who allegedly stole a wallet from a purse at a store in Medford and then used the stolen credit cards in Selden the same day.

A man allegedly took a wallet out of a woman’s purse at Sam’s Club, located at 2950 Horseblock Road, Medford on May 4 at approximately 1 p.m. The man and a woman then used the stolen credit cards, a short time later at Target, located at 307 Independence Plaza, Selden. They fled in what appears to be a white Chrysler 300.

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 stock photo

Suffolk County Police arrested two people for allegedly selling tobacco & vape products to people under the age of 21 during compliance checks at multiple businesses in Middle Island on May 9.

As part of the Suffolk County Police ‘Operation Smoke Out,’ Seventh Precinct Crime Section officers, with assistance from the Suffolk County Department of Health Tobacco Enforcement Unit, checked seven locations for age compliance related to sales of vape and tobacco products. Violations were found at two.

The following people were charged with alleged Unlawfully Dealing with a Child:
• Aaditya Patel, 27, of Middle Island, employed at Jala Cards & Gift Inc., located at 1235 Middle
Country Road, Middle Island.
• Shamas Din, 39, of Coram, employed at Barcode Smoke & Hookha, located at 835 Middle Country
Road, Middle Island.

More than 350 illegal vape products were seized from Jala Cards & Gift Inc. More than 940 illegal vape products were seized from Barcode Smoke & Hookha. The two arrestees were issued Field Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

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Nathaniel Howell

Nathaniel Howell Pleaded Guilty in April and Has 7 Prior Felony Convictions

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on May 9 that Nathaniel Howell, 40, of Medford, was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree for possessing cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl with intent to distribute out of his Medford home.

“This defendant was brazen enough to continue peddling these poisons while on parole for a prior cocaine and illegal weapon offenses,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Our parole system is clearly broken as it no longer allows parole officers to effectively monitor parolees, however, with this guilty plea and sentence, my office has removed a significant threat from our community, which makes us all safer.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, in November 2023, the District Attorney’s Fentanyl Task Force launched an investigation and found that Howell was selling cocaine and fentanyl out of his home on Wilson Avenue in Medford.

A search warrant was executed against the home where police subsequently recovered a bag containing 1.57 ounces of fentanyl, a bag containing 2.10 ounces of heroin mixed with fentanyl and a bag containing 3.54 ounces of heroin, and over $305,000 dollars from his bedroom.

At the time of this offense, Howell was already on parole for a conviction stemming from a 2020 search warrant executed under similar circumstances against Howell’s Medford home. That investigation had resulted in the seizure of cocaine, a loaded firearm, and over $50,000 dollars.

Howell has seven prior felony convictions, including:

  • 2004 conviction for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree and a Felony charge of Driving While Intoxicated. Howell was sentenced to six months in jail.
  • A 2007 conviction for Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. Howell was sentenced to three years in prison.
  • A 2009 conviction for Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. Howell was sentenced to three and a half years in prison.
  • A 2015 conviction for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. Howell was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
  • A 2020 conviction for Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree. Howell was sentenced to two years in prison.

Howell also has numerous misdemeanor convictions where he served periods of incarceration.

On April 4, 2024, Howell pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro to two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, Class A felonies. On May 9, 2024, Howell was sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision. Howell was represented by Ira Weissman, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Robert Kerr of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Suffolk County District Attorney’s Fentanyl Task Force which is comprised of District Attorney Investigators, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Suffolk County Police Department.

 

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National Grid is joining Island Harvest Food Bank, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), and the United States Postal Service (USPS) as the presenting sponsor of the annual Stamp Out Hunger® food drive, the nation’s largest single-day food collection campaign.

The Stamp Out Hunger food drive is on Saturday, May 11 and all Long Island residents are encouraged to leave non-perishable food donations by their mailbox for their letter carrier to collect. All food collected in Nassau and Suffolk counties will benefit Island Harvest by providing supplemental food support to more than 300,000 Long Islanders who face hunger and food insecurity, including nearly one-third of those who are children.

“Contributing to Stamp Out Hunger is simple,” says Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest. Just leave nonperishable food items in a bag next to your mailbox before the regularly scheduled mail delivery on Saturday, May 11. Then, your USPS letter carrier will do the rest to help ensure that it gets onto the tables of our Long Island neighbors in need.”

“As an Island Harvest Board member, ending hunger on Long Island is not just a goal, it’s a mission we’re committed to achieving,” said Ross Turrini, COO, New York Gas, National Grid and Island Harvest Board Member. “National Grid is proud to be the presenting sponsor of Stamp Out Hunger and a steadfast supporter for over two decades. We are continuing that commitment next week; we will have 50 volunteers sorting food to be distributed to the community. Together we can make a difference.”

Nonperishable food items needed include canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, boxed juices, and shelf-stable milk (please, no food or juices in glass containers). In addition, personal care items such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and disposable diapers are gratefully accepted. All donations collected will help replenish Island Harvest’s network of food pantries, soup kitchens and other emergency feeding programs in communities throughout Long Island.

“Even if it’s a can of soup or a box of cereal, every donation, no matter the size, will help countless Long Islanders who may be struggling to put food on their tables,” explains Ms. Shubin Dresner, who noted that the food bank distributed 16 million pounds of food in 2023, a 64% increase over 2019 (pre-pandemic levels). “We are counting on the generosity of our neighbors who can spare a little extra to help make this year’s Stamp Out Hunger food drive one of the most successful.”

Since its inception in 1993, Stamp Out Hunger has collected more than 1.75 billion pounds of food in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, to help address the issue of hunger in America.

“The National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 6000 and the United States Postal Service are excited to once again partner with Island Harvest for this year’s Stamp Out Hunger food collection,” said Tom Siesto, Executive Vice President, NALC Branch 6000. “The members of Branch 6000 and the employees of the United States Postal Service often see firsthand the widespread issue of food insecurity on Long Island and are thrilled to take part in this very important campaign and give back to the local communities that they serve.”

“Our letter carriers stand ready to Stamp Out Hunger on Long Island. We are thrilled to be working with Island Harvest Food Bank and National Association of Letter Carriers to join the mission and ensure every resident has access to a meal,” said the Postal Service’s District Manager John Tortorice.

This year’s Stamp Out Hunger collection campaign on Long Island is generously supported by presenting sponsor National Grid, lead sponsor JPMorgan Chase & Co., and major sponsors Allstate, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Dime Community Bank, Empire Automotive Group, Nonna’s Garden, Rheem ProPartner, and Stop & Shop, and supporting partners College Hunks Moving, College Hunks Hauling Junk, Amazon, and Steel Equities. All donations to Stamp Out Hunger are tax-deductible because all the food collected benefits Island Harvest, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Police arrested an employee at a smoke shop for allegedly selling cannabis without a license in Middle Island on May 9.

Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers arrested Kyle Robson for allegedly selling cannabis without a license at Irie Vaporization Wellness and Scents located at 8 Middle Country Road at approximately 3:05 p.m. Investigators seized numerous cannabis products.

Robson, 21, of Ridge, was charged with Unlawful Sale of Cannabis. He was issued a Field Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

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Clinton Bucknor

Suffolk County Police arrested a Huntington pastor on May 9 for allegedly sexually abusing a female teenager in March. The victim’s sister called 911 on May 8 to report her 15-year-old sister had been sexually abused by a pastor who works at the Huntington Seventh-Day Adventist Church, located at 21 West 9th St. in
Huntington Station.

An investigation by Special Victims Section detectives determined Clinton Bucknor sent an inappropriate photo and text to the minor and had sexual contact with the teen in the basement of the church in March 2024.

Bucknor, 71, of  Huntington, was arrested and charged with alleged Criminal Solicitation 3rd Degree, Sexual Abuse 3rd Degree and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He will be held overnight at the Fourth Precinct is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on May 10.

Detectives are asking anyone with additional information or if you believe you are a victim to call the Special Victims Section at 631-852-6531.

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

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Rocky Point High School valedictorian Isabella Rooney (right) and salutatorian Sofia Haviland. Photo courtesy of the Rocky Point school district

Rocky Point High School is proud to congratulate Isabella Rooney as its Class of 2024 valedictorian and Sofia Haviland as its salutatorian. 

Isabella Rooney

Rooney is honored to be named the top student, calling it a privilege to earn the title in such a phenomenal class of peers. “Our school is full of so many talented, dedicated and hardworking individuals,” she said. “I could not be more excited and grateful.”

The valedictorian has taken more than two dozen Advanced Placement, honors and college-level courses while at the high school. In her senior year alone, she has taken seven AP classes while dancing and training for more than 20 hours each week. 

“It has been extremely difficult to balance studying and homework with the physical and emotional demands of Irish dance,” she said. “But this year has taught me a lot about time management and the value of a positive mindset in achieving one’s goals.”

Rooney is a member of the History Honor Society, Homecoming Float Design team, Math Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Student Council and Yearbook Club.

Her community involvement includes participation in various back-to-school and toy drives for the Heather N. Kaplan Foundation. She is also involved in the National Art Honor Society’s Mr. Gobbles charity, the Student Council holiday clothing drive, peer tutoring with the English, Math and Science honor societies and teaches classes at Inishfree School of Irish Dance in Sayville, sharing Irish culture through community performances.

Among many other awards, she has been honored as a third-place recipient in the Mid-Atlantic Region in Irish Dance, placed eighth in the country in Irish Dance, 18th in the Irish Dance World championships and honorable mention in the 2023-24 Suffolk County High School Art Exhibition.

Rooney plans to attend university to study molecular biology. She also looks forward to traveling more after graduation, studying abroad in the United Kingdom and Ireland to further her education and Irish dancing career.

She will leave her fellow high school peers with these wise words, “You will never regret hard work.”

Sofia Haviland

Sofia Haviland takes pride in her accomplishment as salutatorian. “It makes me feel like all of my hard work the past few years has finally paid off,” she said.

When asked about her greatest accomplishment in high school, Haviland noted her role in organizing a clothing swap event as the president of the Human Rights Club, helping to promote sustainability in fashion and discourage the overconsumption of clothing. “This experience taught me the importance of community and working together to create an impact and real change,” she said.

Haviland has taken advantage of many of Rocky Point’s AP, honors and college-level courses, including 12 AP courses and 12 honors courses. She is a member of the high school’s Human Rights Club, where she has served as president for the past two years, and is secretary of the National Science Honor Society. She is a member of the History Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society and the New York State Math Honor Society. She is also a member of the school’s pit orchestra and the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York.

Among many different awards, she has been selected to both the Long Island String Festival Association Division III Orchestra and the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association Division III Orchestra. She looks forward to joining the freshman class at Boston University where she will major in chemistry.

Haviland leaves her classmates and future high school seniors with the wise words, “Relax, don’t stress over the little things.”

The 2024 Rocky Point High School graduation will take place Wednesday, June 26, at 6 p.m. at the Upper Turf Field.

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Police car. Stock photo

Update on May 9: Amilar Velasquez, the pedestrian struck in a hit-and-run crash in Dix Hills, has died of his
injuries.The investigation is continuing.

Below is the original press release:

Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit detectives are investigating a hit-and-run crash that critically injured a pedestrian on May 5. Amilar Velasquez was walking on the northbound shoulder in front of 32 West Hills Road when he was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene at 12:13 a.m. Velasquez, 37, of Huntington Station, was transported to Huntington Hospital in critical condition.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-
TIPS.

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Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro
Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro
Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro
Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro
Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, SBU President Maurie McInnis, State Senator Mario Mattera and State Senator Monica Martinez at the Ronald McDonald House groundbreaking ceremony on April 30. Photo from Legislator Steve Englebright’s office
Photo courtesy of Legislator Steve Englebright’s office
Photo courtesy of Legislator Steve Englebright’s office
A rendering of the building.

Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro held a ceremonial groundbreaking event for its new house, to be built on the Stony Brook Medicine campus, to provide a safe, secure and comfortable environment for families of children who are receiving medical care at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Construction is set to begin later this year with completion scheduled for 2026. Of the $30 million needed to complete the project, $24 million has already been raised.

This will be the first Ronald McDonald House located in Suffolk County, and only the second on Long Island. The other Ronald McDonald House is in New Hyde Park in Nassau County, located adjacent to Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

The three-story, 60,000 square-foot building will include 30 private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms for families, a media center, outdoor playground, interactive playrooms, a community kitchen providing free meals made by volunteers and fully stocked pantries, a fitness center, meditation room and laundry facilities.

“We’ve been planning this for 10 years and now we’re finally able to provide for families in Suffolk County the way they need,” said Matt Campo, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro. “All of our programs provide a place for families to rest and recharge so they can focus on the health and well-being of their child.”

“This facility will stand as a beacon of hope, compassion and support for families facing their toughest challenges,” said Dr. William Wertheim, interim executive vice president for Stony Brook Medicine. “Our partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities highlights the strength of collaboration, and I am delighted to be joining our resources and expertise to meet the diverse needs of our community.”

During the ceremony, Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis thanked Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright for his help in ensuring that a bill authorizing the State University of New York to enter into a lease with the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, Inc. was passed in the New York State
Assembly in 2018 during his tenure as a state Assemblyman.

“To know that parents will be near their children as they go through the toughest of times is
heartwarming,” Englebright said. “I applaud the Ronald McDonald House for all their
philanthropic work.”

“The soon-to-be-built Ronald McDonald House will be able to serve as a respite for patients and families whose infant or child is ill by offering a place to stay, food to eat and a place to rest and recharge that is in close proximity to the hospital,” said Carol Gomes, CEO, Stony Brook University Hospital. “There is nothing more cherished than the ability to be able to focus on the care of your child without having to worry about daily life logistics.”

“It’s been a labor of love recruiting the financial support to make this house a reality,” said Cynthia Lippe, chair, RMHC NYM Stony Brook House Fundraising Committee. “Our entire committee is proud of our work and know we have the momentum to raise the final funds to open the house to the public.”

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File photo

Suffolk County Police have arrested an employee of a Hauppauge smoke shop for allegedly illegally selling cannabis products twice in a six-day span.

Narcotics Section detectives, and Anti-Crime and Community Support Unit officers conducted an investigation into illegal sales of cannabis products during which seven businesses were checked for compliance with the law and violations were found at one. Qazi Siddique, an employee of Convenience 12-12 Smoke Shop, located at 900 Wheeler Road, was arrested for allegedly selling cannabis products without a license on May 2 and for selling cannabis products to a minor on May 8.

Investigators also seized large quantities of flavored vape products offered for sale. The store was issued multiple fire and building code violations and was closed by the Town of Islip Fire Marshal.

Siddique, 30, of Valley Stream, was charged with alleged Unlawful Sale of Cannabis and Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree. He is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.

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