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

The Defendants Allegedly Opened Fire on a Medford Residence in July as Part of a Gang Retaliation

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that two alleged Gorilla Stone Blood Gang members, Anthony Pena, 22, of Coram, and Ersen Kumas, 19, of Middle Island, were indicted on assault and weapons related charges, for allegedly firing multiple illegal handguns into a Medford residence in July 2023, striking an 8- year-old-boy while he slept on the couch. The shooting was allegedly in retaliation of a gang- motivated shooting earlier that day in which rival gang members allegedly shot at Kumas.

“My office is committed to ensuring that gang members, particularly those who fire a gun, are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Oftentimes innocent bystanders, such as the sleeping 8-year-old child in this case, suffer long-term consequences of gang rivalries. This case is just another example of the havoc and danger that gangs inflict, and I am committed to protecting our Suffolk County communities from such conduct.”

According to the investigation, in July 2023, Kumas and Pena were allegedly members of the Gorilla Stone Bloods, a subset of the Bloods, a nation-wide violent street gang. On July 25, 2023, members of a rival gang allegedly shot at Kumas in Middle Island due to Kumas’s affiliation with Gorilla Stone Bloods. Kumas was allegedly not injured in the shooting, and that incident is still under investigation.

Later that evening and into the early morning hours of July 26, 2023, Kumas, Pena, and others allegedly drove around the Medford area with multiple loaded illegal weapons, looking for rival gang members to retaliate for the alleged shooting at Kumas.

At approximately 1:26 a.m., Kumas, Pena and a third individual travelled to a home on Cedar Avenue and allegedly used three different firearms to fire multiple shots into the residence. During the shooting, an 8-year-old child who was sleeping inside was struck in the back. The child suffered a graze wound and was immediately transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment. Suffolk County Police Officers responded to the scene and found ballistics damage inside the home including the living room, kitchen, and a child’s bedroom.

On March 14, 2024, Pena was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven Pilewski, for the following charges:

  •   Six counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies;
  •   One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
  •   One count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D violent

    felony; and

  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E felony.

    Justice Pilewski ordered Pena held on $75,000 cash, $250,000 bond, or $1.5 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Pena is due back in court on April 5, 2024, and he is being represented by Michael Matera, Esq.

    On April 4, 2024, Kumas was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski for the following charges:

    •   Six counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies;
    •   One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony; and
    •   One count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, a Class D felony.

      Justice Pilewski ordered Kumas held on $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, $1.5 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Kumas is due back in court on May 6, 2024 and he is being represented by Michael Franzese, Esq.

The identity of the third shooter as well as others involved is still under active investigation. If you have any information, please contact the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, or Crime Stoppers, at 1-800-220-TIPS (8477).

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Melissa Turk of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Kevin Staubitz of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Narcotics Section.

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'Variations on a Theme 4: Pyrenees' by Terence Netter Image courtesy of Gallery North

Up next at Gallery North in Setauket is Terence Netter: Legacy of the Human Spirit, a memorial retrospective of contemporary artist, philosopher, educator and former Jesuit priest Terence Netter. Generously sponsored by Jefferson’s Ferry and Suffolk County’s Department of Economic Development and Planning, the exhibit will be on view from April 4 to May 12. 

The collection of small, medium and large paintings and mixed media works spans Netter’s career and focuses on his lasting impact. 

‘New Moon’ by Terence Netter

Netter was captivated by human consciousness and its expression through the creative process and once stated, “Art is nature reborn through the free consciousness of individuals. It is how our species creates the spiritual air we breathe called culture.” 

Netter’s paintings are intrinsically tied to his work within the community. While his style evolved over time from action painting to meditative minimalism, his work continued to express his spiritual search for truth in a way that served as “seeds of contemplation” for viewers. It is this type of mindful thought that is to be cultivated in the many cultural spaces Netter pioneered. Netter serves as the inspiration for the future Terence Netter Creative Center at Gallery North, which will foster the “visual expression of that infinitely evolving human spirit,” as Netter wrote.

Raised in Bronxville, New York, Netter received his MFA from George Washington University, and exhibited nationally and internationally, including numerous solo shows at the Woodward Gallery in Manhattan and at Gallery North. He served as the founding Director of the Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University, was instrumental in the creation of the Pollock-Krasner Study Center, and was President of the Board of Trustees of Gallery North. 

The community is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, April 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a panel discussion on the artist’s impact on the Arts and his legacy within the community on Saturday, May 11 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Gallery North is located at 90 North Country Road in Setauket. For more information, call 631-751-2676 or visit www.gallerynorth.org.

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Stephen Schwartz, center, poses with the Broadway talent and LIMEHOF board of directors. Photo by Steve Leung

Broadway came to Long Island recently as a range of vocalists from the “Great White Way” and musicians gathered to honor and induct award-winning Broadway and movie lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Godspell,” “Pippin,” “Pocahontas,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “The Prince of Egypt,” and the new movie adaptation of “Wicked,” among other titles) into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook on March 23.

The award presentation was preceded by an hour-and-a-half concert emceed by musician Paul Shaffer, which featured performances from Schwartz’ musicals.

Musician Paul Shaffer officially inducts and hands off the award trophy to Steven Schwartz. Photo by Steve Leung

Although well-known on Broadway and Manhattan, Schwartz has solid Long Island roots, having grown up in Williston Park and graduated from Mineola High School. With a career that includes winning four Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards, and numerous other accolades, Schwartz says that being recognized on Long Island is an extra-special honor for him.

Schwartz joins other legendary Broadway lyricists and musicians inducted into LIMEHOF with ties to Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, including George Gershwin (2006) and George M. Cohan (2006). LIMEHOF currently includes over 120 inductees.

Broadway performers and singers who performed at this event included Teal Wicks and Carrie St. Louis (“Wicked”), Dale Soules (“The Magic Show”), Alysia Velez (“Into the Woods”), Sam Simahk (“Into the Woods”) and DeMarius Copes (“Some Like It Hot”). The concert featured Music from “Wicked,” “Godspell,” “Pippin,” “Working,” “The Magic Show.” and “Pocahontas.” 

In addition to the music performances, Schwartz’s friend Stephen Reinhardt, who was a keyboard player and musical director for “Godspell” and “The Magic Show,” took the stage and gave a heartfelt speech. Sprinkled throughout the concert were various recorded video messages from Schwartz’ friends and colleagues who couldn’t be there but wanted to celebrate his induction, including Idina Menzel, Alan Menken, and Kristin Chenoweth, who had worked with Schwartz before in “Wicked,” and is working with him now on “The Queen of Versailles.”

After being inducted, Stephen closed out the evening by performing a song from his upcoming musical, “The Queen of Versailles,” which is set to debut later this year. 

After the event, Schwartz called it “a lovely evening” and said it was like a big reunion. “All those videos were surprises… from my son and my friends … and it was really a moving evening for me,” Schwartz said. “I didn’t really expect this, so it was very meaningful to me.”

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Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

Mia Haynes was dealing on March 31, hurling a one-hit shutout to lead Stony Brook past Towson, 1-0, at University Field.

Haynes went the distance for Stony Brook, giving up one hit, walking two and striking out 10. She earned her sixth victoy of the season in the circle. In the batter’s box, Julianna Sanzone drove in the lone run of the contest with a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning.

The Seawolves took the lead for good in the sixth, scoring for the first and only time in the game when Alyssa Costello came across to score on a Sanzone sacrifice fly to the opposite field.

“This was an important series for us and I’m so proud of how our team responded,” head coach Megan T. Bryant said. “Each game was different; today was a pitcher’s dual and Mia was exceptional. We stayed locked in, made plays and scratched across the run we needed. Very gritty by our group.”

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Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

No. 15 Stony Brook women’s lacrosse wrapped up the month of March with an 18-8 victory against Monmouth at Kessler Stadium on March 29. The Seawolves picked up their fourth straight win, moving to 9-2 (4-0) on the season while Monmouth dropped to 5-6 (1-3 CAA).

The team was led by graduate student Kailyn Hart who scored four goals on the afternoon. Graduate student Charlotte Verhulst and junior Courtney Maclay each netted three goals, while senior Clare Levy added two. Six more players finished off one goal on the afternoon. Stony Brook tallied nine assists on Friday, led by graduate student Erin MacQuarrie and senior Jaden Hampel with two each.

Graduate student McKenzie Mitchell picked up three ground balls and Levy added two, while Mitchell and Emily Manning caused two turnovers each. Manning made six saves in the second half, allowing just two goals, while senior Aaliyah Jones got the start and made four stops on a .400 save percentage. In the circle, Levy collected a career-high nine draw controls while Verhulst contributed four of her own.

 Monmouth was led by Maddie Flynn who put up a hat trick, while Shea Berigan and Ella Spears each scored twice. Goalkeeper Katie Sullivan made eight saves on the afternoon.

 “Excited to be 4-0 in conference, and for our players to get a few days off to refuel and get right as we head into another very difficult part of our schedule,” said head coach Joe Spallina. “I really love this group and I know our best lacrosse is ahead of us.”

The team heads home to continue conference play, facing Delaware on April 6 at LaValle Stadium. Opening draw is set for noon on FloLive and Stony Brook will honor its women’s lacrosse seniors prior to the game. Stony Brook is 5-0 all-time against the Blue Hens, winning 18-6 in both the regular season and the conference tournament last year.

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Trees bloom along Elm Avenue in Smithtown. Photo from Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways (DEW) and its tree planting program has secured the title of Tree City USA for the township for it’s 37th year. The notification comes as the team of Urban Foresters gear up for Arbor Day on April 26, with a ceremonial tree planting at the Smithtown Senior Citizens Center. 

Additionally, the department will plant 150 new street trees around town for the spring season. The Urban Forestry team plans to plant a total of 500 trees by the end of 2024. 

“This award validates the Town’s commitment and investment towards maintaining a healthy environment and robust urban forestry program. I want to commend Environmental Director, David Barnes, and Urban Foresters; Tom Colella and Bob Barget for going above and beyond to grow our programming to new heights,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

“It’s easy to take for granted, especially in Spring, Summer and Fall, just how fortunate we are to live in an emerald city, lush with healthy trees and native pollinators. The work that DEW has done to ensure a booming tree inventory and maintenance program will undoubtedly offer beauty, health and countless environmental benefits for decades to come,” he added. 

The Town of Smithtown was first declared Tree City USA in 1986 by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Since then, the Town has taken great pride in managing a sustainable streetscape lined with trees. The Town of Smithtown has proudly maintained its reputation as Tree City USA for over 37 years, in addition to recent efforts to begin a street tree census, and to identify invasive species.

The Department of Environment and Waterways Urban Forestry team is currently working to finalize the grant agreement with the U.S Forest Service. Upon completion Urban Foresters will begin planting 2,000 trees over a four year period beginning with 350 this fall. 

DEW has planted 2,350 trees since 2019 and will total 2500 by the end of this Spring. Since the street tree inventory project began in April 2020, 25,000 trees out of an estimated 35,000 street trees within the township have been cataloged. Preliminary data from the I-Tree 10/13/22 Report shows that the Town of Smithtown has a greater than 30% tree canopy cover. 

Residents can request street tree plantings in front of their residence by contacting the Department of Environment and Waterways Urban Forestry team via email at [email protected] or by phone at 631-360-7514.

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SCCC Selden. Photo by Heidi Sutton

Faculty, administrators, staff and current students at Suffolk County Community College will welcome new and prospective students to open house on Sunday, April 7, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Open House will take place at all three of the college’s campuses in Riverhead, Selden and Brentwood, as well as its Culinary Arts and Hospitality Center in Riverhead.

College faculty and administrators will greet visitors and offer detailed information about Suffolk’s varied degree and certificate programs. Admissions staff will be available to help students and parents answer questions and complete the admissions process, and financial aid representatives will provide information about recent changes to FAFSA, as well as the grants and loan process. In addition, visitors will have an opportunity to learn about the numerous scholarships available for students enrolled at Suffolk.

The open house will also provide students with an opportunity to:

  • meet faculty
  • tour campuses
  • learn about student organizations and clubs

Veterans should note that campus representatives will be available to provide educational and transitional services information.

“We look forward to welcoming students and their families as they learn about our academic programs and student support services,” said Joanne E. Braxton, Suffolk’s Dean of Enrollment Management, adding “visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the campus with student guides who can answer questions.”

Students and their families are encouraged to RSVP by visiting this link:sunysuffolk.edu/OpenHouse

 

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Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright with his dog, Buster.

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright’s office seeks donations for Long Island Cares’ Baxter’s Pet Pantry

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) is participating in the 13th Annual Legislative Pet Food Drive Challenge to collect pet food for clients of Long Island Cares, Inc.—The Harry Chapin Food Bank

In 2009, Long Island Cares established Baxter’s Pet Pantry to assist families who might be having difficulty feeding their pets and to avoid placing those family pets in a shelter due to these challenges.

The drive is for all pet food, including for reptiles, fish, ferrets, hamsters, and others. The pet pantry always needs five-to ten-pound bags of dog and cat food, but larger bags are also accepted, as well as canned dog and cat food, cat litter, treats, and new toys.

“Since my dog Buster entered my life, he never fails to bring a smile to my face,” Englebright said. “I hope my constituents will join me and my colleagues in collecting pet food and essentials for those who need help providing for and keeping their pets.”

All pet food must be unopened and in its original packaging. No opened bags, ripped bags or loose pet food will be accepted.

Donations may be brought to Legislator Englebright’s district office at 306 Main Street, Port Jefferson. Drop off deadline is Friday, May 24. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

For more information, please call the office at 631-854-1650. 

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Police car. Stock photo

Suffolk County Police arrested a woman in Shirley on April 3 for driving with 52 license suspensions.

A Highway Patrol officer initiated a traffic stop on eastbound Sunrise Highway at Exit 58 after Kaylyn Snyder was observed driving a 2012 Jeep Liberty that did not have a rear license plate at approximately 1 a.m. Upon further investigation, it was determined Snyder has 52 license suspensions that were issued on 13 dates.

Snyder, 37, of Shirley, was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of aMotor Vehicle 1st Degree, a felony. She will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date. The Jeep was impounded.

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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 Medford store in March.

A man allegedly stole action figures from Target, located at 2975 Horseblock Road, at approximately 3:55 p.m. on March 12.

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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