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24 tons of concrete was illegally dumped in the Pine Barrens. Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. was joined by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office’s BEAST Unit and other Pine Barrens advocates on Earth Day, April 22, to announce the results of two investigations following residential and commercial dumping incidents around the Pine Barrens preservation area.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon addressed the illegal dumping in the Pine Barrens at a press conference on April 22. Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office

“The Sheriff’s Office has been patrolling the Pine Barrens for over 30 years and we take our role very seriously,” said Sheriff Toulon. “These arrests are a direct result of enhanced surveillance, interagency teamwork, and the diligence of our environmental enforcement units. Both individuals could have disposed of their waste legally—but they chose not to. Illegal dumping is lazy and harmful to our Island’s environment and taxpayers’ wallets.”

Sheriff Toulon and officials announced the arrest of Joao Abreu for allegedly dumping 24 tons of concrete in a remote wooded area off Long Island Avenue in Yaphank. 

A six-week joint investigation between the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau and the District Attorney’s BEAST Unit, which included license plate checks, vehicle tracking, background checks, and witness interviews, led to the arrest of Joao Abreu owner of Chase Construction Enterprises. Abreu, of Port Jefferson, was charged with Felony Criminal Mischief, punishable by up to 7 years in prison. Additional charges are pending, including fines up to $150,000.

Investigators also discovered that Abreu had 27 license suspensions and did not hold a valid CDL license. His commercial vehicle, which was used in the crime, was seized and found to have 19 safety violations. It was immediately placed out of service by the Sheriff’s Office’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit.

Household debris was illegally dumped in the Pine Barrens. Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Toulon and officials also announced the arrest of Riverhead woman Jeanne Rodriguez after a trail camera captured a U-Haul truck illegally dumping household items—including mattresses, box springs, dressers, and a television—in a secluded section of the Pine Barrens in Manorville. Following a thorough investigation, Rodriguez was arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree, a Class D felony as well as multiple violations of local dumping laws. 

“Our environment is precious, and one of the reasons why Suffolk County is such a beautiful place to be. These types of crimes cannot and will not be tolerated, and law enforcement will find and arrest anybody who dares to illegally dispose of any waste in Suffolk County,” said County Executive Ed Romaine.

“These alleged acts of illegal dumping in our treasured Pine Barrens were egregious and demonstrated a blatant disregard for environmental laws designed to protect our ecosystem,” said District Attorney Ray Tierney.

“I want to express my gratitude to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office who along with our Pine Barrens Enforcement partnership were instrumental in bringing these alleged offenders to justice.  Suffolk County’s environmental heritage is not negotiable, and we will continue pursuing maximum penalties for individuals who choose to prioritize convenience over conservation of our irreplaceable natural resources,” he said.

Sheriff Toulon also highlighted the Pine Barrens Enforcement partnership as well as their investigative tools, which include trail cameras, license plate readers (LPRs), and other advanced technology helping to catch and deter dumpers. The Sheriff’s Office urges residents to report illegal dumping by calling 1-877-BARRENS. 

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Stock photo

Suffolk County Police arrested a man on April 22 for driving in Huntington Station with 74 license
suspensions on 12 dates.

A Second Precinct officer initiated a traffic stop on Maplewood Road, near White Pine Court, after Walter Castillo Ochoa was observed operating a 2010 Toyota without a valid inspection sticker at 5:13 p.m. Upon further investigation, it was determined Castillo Ochoa had 74 suspensions on 12 dates.

Castillo Ochoa, 45, of Huntington Station, was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 1st Degree, a felony. He was released on a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date. The Toyota was impounded.

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Police car stock photo

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that seriously injured a motorcyclist in Miller Place on April 22.

Christopher Celli was operating a 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound on Route 25A, when two vehicles ahead of him slowed for a traffic light that turned yellow at Harrison Avenue. Celli passed between the two vehicles and continued through the intersection, where he crashed the motorcycle into the passenger side of an eastbound 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was turning left onto Harrison Avenue at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Celli, 24, of Coram, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital with critical injuries. The driver of the Jeep, Frederick Winter, 78, of Sound Beach, was not injured. Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652.

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Scully competing at a state meet. Photo courtesy of Despina Scully

By Daniel Dunaief

Fresh off setting a county record in the shot put in the winter, Miller Place High School track star Jillian Scully has her sights set on setting a new state record in shot put and another track and field event this spring.

A high school senior, Scully is determined to etch her name into the record books in the discus as well.

Jillian Scully, center, at the 2025 State Championships

“I’m 100 percent confident I’m going to crush” the record in the discus, said Scully, who has suggested that the 2.2 pound discus has been flying out of her hand.

The current state record is 172 feet, while her personal best, which she threw last year, is 159 feet 8 inches.

“She has got enormous potential, which is why so many world class athletes are chasing her,” said Bill Hiney, the Assistant Track and Field Coach during the winter and spring seasons for Southold High School and Scully’s personal coach. Scully took a standing throw that traveled over 120 feet. Scully has also thrown the discus 150 feet against the wind and without warming up properly, Hiney said.

College coaches at several programs reached out to Scully to recruit her to their schools, hoping she could bring her athletic talents to their programs.

“We told her it was her decision” about which college to attend, said Jillian’s father James Scully, who owns and runs the construction company JFS Contracting. His daughter responded that she’d ask them if she needed their help.

As it turned out, she made the decision on her own, selecting Louisiana State University.

“I walked on campus and I said, ‘This is for me,’” said the six-foot, one-inch athlete. She should be able to throw discus and shot put outside year round. Scully would also like to explore competing in the weight throw and the javelin.

“When I go to LSU, I want to try it all,” said Scully.

Scully’s father believes the weather will work to her advantage in Louisiana.

“She practices in the rain and will be out throwing when it’s windy and cold,” he said.

Scully is intrigued by the range of foods available in the Pelican state.

During one of her visits, she enjoyed fried alligator with rices.

“It tastes like chicken,” she laughed.

Academic interests

Scully doesn’t just want to finish strong athletically: she also would like to have a successful final showing academically.

“I want to make sure I hit honor role for the third and fourth quarter,” she said. 

As for her academic interests in college, she plans to study engineering and, in particular, is interested in biomedical engineering.

Scully could see herself as a Paralympic track coach one day.

She recalled watching a video of a world championship event in which a Paralympic athlete was preparing to compete. The athlete struggled with a prosthesis that was causing a problem.

“Not a single person there could help him,” Scully said. “He missed out on competing.”

She recalled telling herself that she’d like to be there to help, particularly after knowing how hard every athlete trains.

“I couldn’t imagine how that felt for him,” Scully said.

California dreaming

As for her own athletic performance, Scully would like to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in the discus.

Hiney recognizes that athletes with Scully’s build and determination don’t come along too often.

“You don’t regularly get to train” athletes who have Scully’s strength and frame, he said.

“Ambition is not in short supply,” Scully’s father James added. “She’s motivated and she loves setting goals for herself.”

Scully believes his daughter can accomplish anything she decides to try.

He and his wife Despina “Debbie” Scully have gone to their daughter’s competitions during her high school years and are looking forward to traveling to some of the competitions in Louisiana as well.

As for their expectations, Scully believes they align with their daughter’s.

When she reaches her goals, he said, “Is it surprising? Yes. Is it exciting? Yes. Are we shocked by the fact that she broke a record? No.”

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Kristen Hildebrant has been promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer for Arrow Security.

Arrow Security in Smithtown has announced the promotion of Kristen Hildebrant as the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer, where she will oversee all aspects of Arrow’s Human Resources strategy.

According to a press release, Hildebrant has more than 20 years of extensive experience with implementing strategic human capital solutions aimed at meeting and achieving organizational business objectives. She joined Arrow Security in September 2023 and supports an employee population of more than 6,000 by leading efforts to design the formal infrastructure for all core human capital functions, including talent acquisition and development, compensation design, compliance, culture enhancement, employee engagement, organizational growth and organizational transformation.

Prior to joining Arrow, Hildebrant worked for Cisive, formerly CARCO Group, Inc., for more than ten years, beginning as a Senior Director of People & Culture for seven years before being promoted to Vice President of Global People & Culture. Kristen created and managed a structured Human Resources department of 16 team members to support 1,100 employees located in the U.S. and APAC and led all areas of HR. Kristen has also served as an Independent Consultant and recruiter for Arrow Electronics through Adecco General Staffing and Director of Human Resources for AutoOne Insurance.

“Since joining Arrow Security, Kristen has been instrumental in assessing the organizational needs of the company and contributing to the company’s recent growth,” said AJ Caro, CEO of Arrow Security. “She is shaping our people strategy and fostering a strong company culture, positioning us for continued success. We look forward to seeing her continue to drive innovation in this new role and further build a workplace for Arrow employees to thrive.”

For more information on Arrow Security, please visit www.arrowsecurity.com

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A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
Annual event benefits the Fortunato Breast Health Center

Join Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson on Sunday, May 18 for the annual Northwell Walk to Raise Health to support the Fortunato Breast Health Center.

Presented by Four Leaf Federal Credit Union, the Walk brings together family, friends and team members for a five-mile walk through the scenic villages of Port Jefferson and Belle Terre. The day includes music, raffles, photo props, a walker warm up session, and the return of the popular Pink Your Pooch contest for the best “pinked” pup! Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. and the Walk steps off at 10 a.m.

Sponsored by New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, King Quality Roofing and Siding, Riverhead Toyota, and CSDNET the Northwell Walk to Raise Health at Port Jefferson raises awareness of the need for regular breast cancer screenings starting at age 40. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers according to the American Cancer Society It accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%, or a 1 in 8 chance. 

The event will be held simultaneously with other walks in Riverhead, Jones Beach, Staten Island and Westchester County. Last year’s Northwell Health Walk was attended by more than 6,000 people who came together across five Northwell Health Walk locations to raise more than $1.14 million for local hospital programs and services.

According to Northwell’s website, the Walk began 15 years ago as the “Every Woman Matters Walk,” inspired by the vision of philanthropists Iris and Saul Katz. Since its inception, the Northwell Health Walk has raised more than $8 million and supports Northwell’s Outpacing the Impossible campaign, a comprehensive $1.4 billion fundraising effort that supports Northwell’s promise to the people it serves. 

The campaign’s objectives include improving hospitals and clinical programs, accelerating research and funding endowment.

On May 18, walk for a family member or friend fighting breast cancer, a breast cancer survivor, or in memory of someone whose life was cut short by this disease. Form a team with family, friends, or co-workers, join a team or walk as an individual, or sponsor a team or walker. Help raise funds for the Walk and collect Walk Fundraising Rewards. Participants can begin earning rewards by raising just $100! All rewards will be waiting for you at the Walk. To register, visit www.northwellhealthwalk.com.

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Clare Beatty. Photo by Fred Marcus Studio

Clare Beatty, a PhD student and National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow in Clinical Psychology at Stony Brook University, is one of 100 doctoral students in the U.S. and Canada selected to receive a prestigious $25,000 P.E.O. Scholar Award from the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood. She was sponsored by Chapter N of New Canaan, CT.

The P.E.O. Scholar Awards were established in 1991 to provide substantial merit-based awards for women of the United States and Canada who are pursuing a doctoral-level degree at an accredited college or university. Scholar Awards recipients are a select group of women chosen for their high level of academic achievement and their potential for having a positive impact on society.

Beatty grew up in Darien, CT and is a 2018 graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, graduating summa cum laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. As an undergraduate, she received multiple academic excellence awards and merit-based scholarships.

Beatty’s doctoral research examines why some people are more vulnerable to anxiety and depression than others, particularly in response to uncertainty. “Uncertainty is an inevitable part of life—from small things like the weather to major events like a global pandemic,” Beatty explained. “My research investigates how our brains respond when facing unpredictable situations.”

Using advanced neuroscience techniques, she studies how different patterns of brain activity might help identify adolescents at higher risk for developing mental health challenges. This work aims to improve early intervention and personalized treatment approaches for young people.

Beyond her research, Beatty serves as a consultant for several digital mental health companies that aim to improve access to evidence-based therapy and treatment. She works as a therapist for individuals across the lifespan and is also dedicated to teaching and mentoring aspiring psychology students. Beatty plans to graduate in May 2026 and will complete her final year of clinical training at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York.

Beatty has been an author on over 20 published articles in prestigious scientific journals. Her accomplishments have been recognized by the Society of Clinical Psychology (American Psychological Association, Division 12) and the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (APA, Division 53), among several other honors.

 

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From left, LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Manager Barry Fisch, actress Taylor Red Fox, Director Maria Capp, actor Chris Road, actress Veronica Kelly, LIMEHOF Chairman Ernie Canadeo and actor Seth Gilliam at the event. Photo courtesy of LIMEHOF
Actor Chris Roach speaks at the event.
Actress Taylor Red Fox speaks at the event. Photo courtesy of LIMEHOF
Staff and crew of 'The Lady of the Lake' take questions from the audience after the screening. Photo courtesy of LIMEHOF
‘The Lady of the Lake’ stars Seth Gilliam, Chris Roach, Taylor Red Fox, and Veronica Kelly come out to show support. 

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) honored director Maria Capp (originally from Ronkonkoma), and screened her latest film, The Lady of The Lake: The Legend of Lake Ronkonkoma, on Saturday, April 19 at the museum, located at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook. This event was the lead-off film of LIMEHOF’s recently announced Monthly Local Filmmakers Series, which turns the spotlight on Long Island-based directors and their films. 

Capp flew out from Los Angeles to participate in the event and was joined on stage by some of the film’s stars, including Seth Gilliam, Chris Roach, Taylor Red Fox, and Veronica Kelly for a Q&A after the screening. They all spoke about being part of the film. 

“I think it’s wonderful, and I’m really grateful to everybody who has opened their arms and provided this opportunity to be the first film in the film series,” said Capp. “It’s really important what’s being done—and that is to keep arts in the community and bring local artists to the forefront. It’s been really quite an enjoyable experience and a pleasure working with everybody here.”  

Seth Gilliam, perhaps best known for his roles in The Walking Dead and The Wire, plays Adam Schultz, the main character’s father, in Lady of the Lake. He says it was great to screen and watch it with a local Long Island audience.   

“The crowd was really attentive and seemed to really dig it, and that makes it all worth the price of admission to me,” Gilliam said. “I wanted to be part of a coming-of-age story, but I’ve long since ‘come of age’—so being the father was the only role that I could actually play. I was drawn to it [the film] because of Maria Capp’s passion for the project and need to tell the story, and I wanted to be a part of it.” 

Chris Roach is a comedian from Ronkonkoma. He says he was aware of the real legend of the lake and wanted to be part of the film when Maria told him about it.

“She sent me the script and I really liked the role,” Roach said. “He’s a guy who adds some comic relief to the movie, which is something I really love doing. Being a proud Long Islander, it’s important to come out and represent whenever you can. This was extra special because I had a little part in it—and I love Maria and her family.” 

 Taylor Red Fox is an actress who has recently appeared in the TV series Manifest, has acted in off-Broadway theater, and is also a member of The Shinnecock Nation. She plays Tahoma in Lady of the Lake. 

“I’m excited that we’re all here as Long Island community members and we can help add to the artists in the area,” Red Fox said. “We were able to portray a side of the story that wasn’t disrespectful or dishonoring the memories of anyone living in the area. It was great working with Maria and Seth and the other actors, and I love that we were able to include actors who are local from the area in ways they may already be involved in the community—like being a comedian.”  

The film series is sponsored by Rick Eberle of Magnetic Vine and G&R Events. LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham organized the event and emceed the Q&A that followed the screening. 

“The LIMEHOF Monthly Local Filmmaker Series is a celebration of the incredible filmmaking talent emerging from our region,” said Needham. “Each month, we showcase the creativity, passion, and dedication of local filmmakers—providing them with a platform to share their work and connect with audiences who appreciate the power of storytelling. This series is an important part of our mission to support the arts and highlight Long Island’s impact on the entertainment industry.”

For over 20 years, Maria has worked in film and with the arts community on Long Island, NY and in Los Angeles, CA in a variety of roles as an award-winning writer, director, producer, and acting coach. In addition to The Lady of the Lake, she has been involved as a producer with many notable movie credits which include narrative features in the storytelling: Reach, DIVOS!, Four Cousins and a Christmas, and the Weekly World News Studios’ The Zombie Wedding.

The Lady of The Lake: The Legend of Lake Ronkonkoma is a Native American folklore thriller distributed by Vision Films Inc. This film was shot on location, in around filmmaker Maria Capp’s childhood hometown Ronkonkoma, and stars Seth Gilliam (The Walking Dead) and Nia Sioux (Dance Moms) as, respectively the father and daughter protagonists. Also featured are Larry Saperstein (High School Musical: The Musical [TV Series]), Emery Kelly (Netflix’s Alexa & Katie), Steven Thomas Capp (Fat Camp), and Julie Dove (Days of our Lives).

The next director to be recognized in the series is Sean King from Huntington on Saturday, May 17 at 1 p.m. Sean will be screening his latest film ScreamWalkers and be accompanied by Glenn McBride Jr. (Actor), Celia Spero (Actor), and Peter Bune Jr. (Producer). LIMEHOF welcomes nominations of local film directors and movies for consideration to feature in the series. For more information, visit the LIMEHOF website at https://www.limusichalloffame.org/

 

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METRO photo

As of April 21, all local gasoline prices are a penny to three cents lower than a week ago, except Long Island which held steady, according to a report from AAA Northeast. The national average fell three cents.

The AAA Fuel Prices website shows today’s New York City average at $3.09 per gallon, a penny less than last week. Connecticut is also down one cent at $3.04. Long Island remains flat at $2.99. New Jersey is down three cents to $2.97.

Prices continue lower on weak demand. Last week, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), Americans consumed just 8.46 million barrels of gasoline per day—a slight uptick of 37,000 barrels a day over the prior week, but still trailing 2024’s pace by roughly 200,000 barrels a day. Next week’s figures, which will include data encompassing the Easter holiday, will be closely watched by market analysts to see if demand breaks out of the spring doldrums.

“As demand has continued to stay soft, refiners have dialed back gasoline production to keep a floor beneath pump prices, which are the lowest for this time of year since 2021,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “Across the country, drivers are spending between 50 and 60 cents less per gallon than this time last year.”

On April 21, Mississippi and Tennessee have the lowest prices in the nation, at $2.68 and $2.70, respectively. California and Hawaii hold the highest prices in the nation this week at $4.84 and $4.50, respectively.

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 6.5 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Investigative Unit officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole items from a Smithtown store this month.

The man pictured above allegedly stole merchandise from 7-Eleven, located at 710 Smithtown Bypass, on April 5 at 4:40 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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