CLOSE
Police & Fire

by -
0 3057
Police car stock photo

The Suffolk County Police Department is advising motorists of a road closure for the annual Memorial Day Ronkonkoma Street Fair on Sunday, May 25.

Hosted by the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce, the Street Fair will be held along Hawkins Avenue from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and feature over 200 vendors with live entertainment, merchandise, food, children’s rides, arts and crafts.

Hawkins Avenue will be closed from Portion Road to Lakewood Road from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes.

 

 

by -
0 2040
Do you recognize this woman? Photo from SCPD
1 of 2
Do you recognize this woman? Photo from SCPD
Do you recognize this woman? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fifth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the woman who allegedly stole clothing from a Sayville store.

The woman pictured above allegedly stole approximately $185 worth of clothing from Target, located at 5750 Eastbound Sunrise Highway, on April 21 at approximately 2:50 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.

by -
0 2963
Police car. Stock photo

Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a pedestrian in Saint James on May 23.

A woman was crossing southbound on Middle Country Road, near White Avenue, at approximately 6:45 p.m., when she was struck by an eastbound 1999 Toyota Camry, driven by Natalio Osorio-Vargas.

The pedestrian, Anna Lopresti, 63, of Saint James, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Osorio-Vargas, 57, of Centereach, was not injured.

The Toyota was impounded for a safety check.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452.

by -
0 1522
File photo

Update: Edward Johnson, 31, of Deer Park, has been identified as the driver of the Mazda who was killed
in a motor vehicle crash on Commack Road in Dix Hills on May 23.

Below is the original press release:

Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a man
in Dix Hills on May 23.

A man was driving a 2005 Mazda northbound on Commack Road, north of Euclid Ave., when the
Mazda veered into the southbound lanes and struck a tractor trailer at approximately 9:05 a.m.
The driver of the Mazda was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is being withheld pending
notification of kin. The driver of the tractor trailer, Sergio Mendoza, 60, of Patterson, New Jersey, was
treated and released from Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip.

The tractor trailer was inspected at the scene by officers from the Motor Carrier Safety Section. The
Mazda was impounded for a safety check. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the crash to
call the Second Squad at 631-854-8252.

by -
0 1022
Daphna Zekaria

Daphna Zekaria, a Former Partner at the H Law Firm of Sokolski and Zekaria, P.C., Faces 2 to 6 Years in Prison

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on May 22 that Daphna Zekaria, 54, of Syosset, pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, and related charges, for stealing nearly $400,000 from her clients’ escrow accounts for personal and business expenses.

“The deliberate theft of nearly $400,000 from client escrow accounts represents a serious violation of professional duty and criminal law,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This guilty plea ensures this defendant will be held accountable to make her clients whole for this egregious abuse of trust.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admission during her plea allocution, in August 2021, Zekaria, a partner at the Huntington law firm of Sokolski and Zekaria, P.C., was hired to represent a woman in her divorce and, later, for the sale of her marital home. Between December 29, 2021, and March 4, 2022, Zekaria received approximately $150,000, which were the proceeds of the sale of her client’s home. Zekaria was to hold the funds in her escrow account to be dispersed when the client’s divorce was finalized. Instead, Zekaria allegedly used the funds for personal and business expenses.

In December 2021, Zekaria was hired by a New York State Lottery winner, and made promises to hold a portion of her client’s money in the firm’s escrow account and invest an additional portion on his behalf. Instead of holding the money or investing it, Zekaria did neither. She instead made large transfers of money to other individuals which she would not have been able to, had her client’s funds not been deposited into her account. Zekaria collected a total of $230,000 from the victim in three separate transactions.

Additionally, in March 2023, Zekaria was retained by an elderly Manhattan woman to assist her in contesting eviction proceedings. Zekaria took $17,500 from the victim to represent her but performed no legal work on her behalf. After the victim requested her money back 13 days after providing the payment, Zekaria had spent the victim’s money on LIPA payments and credit card bills.

On May 21, 2025, Zekaria pleaded guilty to the following charges before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro:

 Two Counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;  Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony;
 Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a Class E felony; and
 Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Justice Ambro ordered Zekaria to pay a restitution of $373,500 by May 2026 or face 2 to 6 years in prison. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office recommended a sentence of 3 to 9 years in prison. Zekaria’s law license is presently suspended while the Attorney Grievance Committee of the First Judicial Department continues disbarment proceedings against her. She is being represented by the Legal Aid Society.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Katharine D’Aquila and Alexander D. Sylvan of the Public Corruption Bureau.

by -
0 737
Stock photo
In response to numerous community complaints, Second Precinct Crime Section officers, in conjunction with the Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement Inspectors, conducted an investigation into Day Sunshine Spa, located at 704 Walt Whitman Road, and arrested two employees on May 21.

Qiulan Fang, 43, of Flushing, was charged with alleged Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, a Class E felony, Prostitution, a misdemeanor, and Criminal Nuisance 2nd Degree, a misdemeanor.

Pan Pan Yang, 37, of Flushing, was charged with alleged Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, a Class E felony, and Prostitution, a misdemeanor.

The Town of Huntington issued multiple violations to the business. Fang and Yang were both issued Desk Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

by -
0 1741
USCG vessels. File Photo
The Announcement Kicks Off 2025 National Safe Boating Week in Time for the Memorial Day Weekend

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney in partnership with Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., the East End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force (EEMLETF), and U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, announced the launch of Aqua Alert, an innovative pilot program designed to strengthen maritime law enforcement and emergency response across eastern Suffolk County waterways, on May 21.

“This program represents a significant advancement in our ability to enforce maritime laws and protect Suffolk County residents,” said District Attorney Tierney. “By establishing this real-time alert system, another vital tool has been created for law enforcement to respond swiftly to emergencies and potentially criminal activities on our waterways.”

“Our waterways can be even more dangerous than our roads, with unpredictable conditions, sudden weather changes, and inexperienced operators. Don’t make those risks worse by mixing in alcohol or not following the rules of the waterways,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “This holiday weekend and all summer, our Marine Patrol will be working closely with law enforcement partners to help ensure everyone can enjoy the water safely.”

“The ‘lone ranger’ days are over,” said Ed Michels, Chairman of the East End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force. “Our partnerships with all the East End law enforcement agencies, the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office ensures that we must work together to achieve end results which bring better results to the people in Eastern Suffolk County.”

The Aqua Alert program, modeled after Amber Alerts for missing children and Silver Alerts for seniors, will provide real-time notifications about urgent maritime emergencies. These alerts will be broadcast directly to mobile devices through participating in Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) systems, delivering critical information to the public, such as descriptions of missing persons or vessels and their last known locations.

The program represents the latest collaborative effort of the East End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force, established in 2007 to coordinate marine law enforcement operations across Suffolk County’s five eastern towns. The District Attorney’s Office plays a crucial role in the EEMLETF, working alongside 16 other agencies to enforce maritime laws and prosecute violations.Public awareness and cooperation are key to the effectiveness of the Aqua Alert program and maritime enforcement efforts. The effectiveness of Aqua Alert depends on public awareness and cooperation. The program will help the Task Force to:

  •   Gather critical witness information for potential maritime crime investigations.
  •   Quickly identify and apprehend individuals operating vessels while intoxicated.
  •   Coordinate multi-agency responses to illegal activities on the water.
  •   Enhance prosecution efforts through improved evidence collection.
Increased Enforcement for Boating Safety

  • The District Attorney’s Office also announced increased enforcement of boating laws during the upcoming summer season, with special emphasis on:
  •   Operating vessels under the influence (BWI), the leading factor in fatal boating accidents.
  •   Proper safety equipment requirements, including life jackets for all passengers.
  •   Navigation rules and speed limits in crowded waterways.
  •   Illegal discharge of waste into protected waters.

The enhanced enforcement comes as US Coast Guard statistics show that in 2024, 75% of boating fatalities resulted from drownings and a significant portion of those drown victims, approximately 85%, were not wearing life jackets.As of January 1, 2025, Brianna’s Law requires all motorboat operators in New York State regardless of age, to complete a boater safety course. Brianna’s Law, named after 11-year-old Brianna Lieneck who was killed in a 2005 boating accident in Great South Bay, has been gradually phased in since 2020, with the final phase taking effect in January requiring certification for all operators.

The EEMLETF includes: The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, United States Coast Guard, NYS Police, NYS DEC Police, Plum Island Security, East Hampton Town Police, East Hampton Village Police, Quogue Village Police, Riverhead Town Police, Sag Harbor Police, Shelter Island Town Police, Southampton Town Police, Southampton Village Police, Southold Town Police, and Westhampton Beach Police.

For Maritime emergencies or to report suspicious activity, mariners should use VHF Channel 16 or call the Sector Long Island Sound Command Center at (866) 299-8031.

by -
0 618
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on May 21 that George Trimigliozzi, 56, of Islip, was indicted for Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, and related charges, for allegedly sexually assaulting two women following dates arranged through on-line dating applications.

“Police officers swear an oath to protect us,” said District Attorney Tierney. “These allegations are truly disturbing. I will use my office to protect everyone equally, without fear or favor.”

According to the investigation, in May 2021, Trimigliozzi met Jane Doe #1 on a dating website. On May 14, 2021, they went on a date in the Patchogue area. Following the date, Trimigliozzi asked Jane Doe #1 to sit in his car to talk. Knowing he was a police officer and thus believing herself safe, Jane Doe #1 agreed. Once inside his car, Trimigliozzi moved into the passenger seat of the vehicle, where Jane Doe #1 was seated, and allegedly forcibly subjected her to sexual contact to which she did not consent. At one point during the sexual assault, Jane Doe #1 opened the passenger side car door. Trimigliozzi allegedly leaned over, grabbed the door, and closed it, placing himself in between Jane Doe #1 and the door, preventing her escape.

In June 2022, Trimigliozzi met Jane Doe #2 on a dating website. On June 10, 2022, they went on a date in the Hampton Bays area. Trimigliozzi rode his motorcycle to pick up Jane Doe #2 at her home. Jane Doe #2, knowing Trimigliozzi was a police officer, felt he could be trusted with her address and to pick her up at home. Following the date, Jane Doe #2, worried Trimigliozzi had consumed too much alcohol, invited him into her home to “sober up” by having some water and using the restroom before he headed home. Trimigliozzi allegedly agreed and asked Jane Doe #2 for a tour of her apartment. Once the two arrived at Jane Doe #2’s bedroom, Trimigliozzi allegedly pushed her onto the bed and had non-consensual intercourse with her.

On May 21, 2025, Trimigliozzi was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei on the charges of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D felony, Rape in the Third Degree, a Class E felony, and Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Justice Mazzei ordered Trimigliozzi held on $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, or $1 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Trimigliozzi is due back in court on May 22, 2025, and faces seven years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by William Keahon, Esq.

Trimigliozzi was previously indicted in October 2024 on several charges including enterprise corruption, promoting prostitution, falsifying business records, filing a false instrument, and official misconduct for his alleged involvement in running brothels and managing sex workers. He is currently suspended without pay. That case is currently pending.

If you believe you have been victimized by George Trimigliozzi, please call the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at (631) 853-4626.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Laura de Oliveira and Bureau Chief Kevin Ward, of the Public Corruption Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by investigators assigned to the District Attorney’s Public Corruption Squad.

by -
0 879
From left, (standing) Chief of Department Sean Martin, Third Assistant Chief Ken Kowalchuk, Commissioner John Buchner, Commissioner Ken Staufer, Commissioner Hank Strong, Second Assistant Chief Jeremy Freund, (sitting) Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Commissioner Debra Handel, and New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner's office
Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio joined local leaders, first responders, and residents in honoring the members of the Rocky Point Fire Department at their annual Installation Dinner held on Saturday, May 17th at Majestic Gardens in Rocky Point. The event marked the formal installation of the department’s 2025 officers and celebrated the continued dedication and service of the department’s firefighters and volunteers.
“It’s always a privilege to be with the brave men and women of the Rocky Point Fire Department,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “Their selfless commitment to protecting our community is truly inspiring, and this evening is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work.”
The Installation Dinner is a time-honored tradition that brings together the Rocky Point community in support of its fire and emergency medical services. The evening featured speeches, acknowledgments of years of service, and the swearing-in of newly appointed leadership within the department. Councilwoman Bonner expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the department for their ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and for the sacrifices they make every day in service to the community.

by -
0 4681
Police car

A multivehicle crash involving a Suffolk County police vehicle on May 16 in Farmingville left four people injured, according to a press release.

Responding to a call with its lights and sirens activated, a police vehicle was traveling westbound on Horseblock Road in Farmingville, when a vehicle attempted to turn right at the intersection of Old Medford Avenue and the vehicles crashed on May 16 at 5:08 p.m. The civilian vehicle then crashed into a pole and another vehicle. Debris from the crash struck a fourth vehicle, shattering a window and damaging the hood.

Drivers of all four vehicles were transported to local hospitals for treatment of injuries. Their identities were not released.

Prev1...101112...368Next Page 11 of 368
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

©