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Ray Tierney Suffolk County District Attorney

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Derrick Clancy

Derrick Clancy is Expected to be Sentenced to 22 Years to Life in Prison at Sentencing

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 30 that Derrick Clancy, 43, pleaded guilty to burglary, sexual abuse, and other related charges, for breaking into the homes of two elderly women in Mastic Beach and sexually assaulting them.

“This defendant preyed on and violated two elderly women while they were supposed to be in the safe harbor of their own homes,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the great work of the Suffolk County Police Department officers and task force members, this defendant will no longer be able to harm Suffolk County residents.”

According to the investigation and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, during the early morning hours on October 10, 2023, Clancy broke into a Mastic Beach home where his first victim, a woman over 70 years old, was inside alone. To get inside the home, Clancy cut a hole in a window screen and climbed through the window. Clancy then physically and sexually abused the victim while repeatedly claiming he had a knife. Following the abuse, the victim pressed her medical alert system button for help, and Clancy fled the home. The victim was treated at a local hospital for her injuries.

The second attack occurred during the early morning hours of October 17, 2023, when a woman over 70 years old heard a noise coming from a closet inside her home. When the victim looked in the closet, she saw Clancy coming into her home through a window in the closet. Clancy then physically and sexually abused the victim. Clancy fled the victim’s home, and she immediately called 911. The victim was then treated at a local hospital for her injuries.

Following an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department, United States Marshals Service’s New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force including District Attorney Investigators, and investigators with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Clancy was arrested on October 21, 2023, and detectives recovered the mask and knife that Clancy had used during the first burglary.

On April 30, 2024, Clancy pleaded guilty to the following charges contained in the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis:

  •   Two counts of Burglary in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies;
  •   Two counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Class D violent felonies;
  •   Two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Class D violent felonies; and
  •   Two counts of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, Class A

    misdemeanors.

    Clancy is due back in court on June 21, 2024, for sentencing and is expected to be sentenced to 22 years to life in prison. He is being represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tara O’Donnell and Jacob DeLauter of the Major Crime Bureau and Detectives Michael Langella and Erik Pedersen of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Seventh Squad.

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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine speaks at a press conference to call on bail reform. Photo courtesy Ed Romaine flickr page

By Samantha Rutt

A chilling crime has shaken communities across Suffolk County as police discovered scattered human remains in Babylon and Bethpage, leaving residents horrified and demanding justice. 

The shock has escalated into outrage as local officials and law enforcement point fingers at Albany’s bail laws, which they claim have allowed suspects to walk free without posting bail.

County Executive Ed Romaine (R) minced no words in expressing his frustration, stating, “The failure of Albany’s bail laws has resulted in those charged with dismembering and placing body parts in our communities to walk free without posting any bail.” Romaine’s sentiments echoed the feelings of many Suffolk County residents who consider the current bail system is failing to protect the community.

In response to the recent crime, New York State Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) and Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) swiftly introduced new legislation (S.8751) to address the shortcomings of the bail system. The proposed bill aims to make body dismemberment and concealment of a human corpse a bail-eligible offense, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Palumbo condemned the current bail laws, stating, “Nobody with an ounce of sensibility would say it’s a good idea to let someone charged with the sickening act of human dismemberment leave jail and roam the streets.” Durso agreed, vowing to fight for change to ensure the safety of Suffolk County residents.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney (R) also weighed in on the issue, responding to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) statements on bail reform in relation to the recent tragic discoveries. Tierney accused the governor of being “completely clueless or deceitful” about the criminal justice system and defended the efforts of law enforcement in the face of what he called “a broken bail system.”

Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson) added his voice to the chorus of criticism, expressing dismay over the release of suspects involved in the recent case where human remains were found. Flood denounced the lack of “humanity and morals” in the criminal justice system, attributing the problems to the flaws in bail reform laws.

The collective outcry from local officials emphasizes the need for action to address the failures of New York State’s bail laws. As communities continue to grapple with the consequences of these shortcomings, residents are looking to Albany for solutions that prioritize public safety and accountability in the criminal justice system.

Gov. Hochul responds

In a recent interview with PIX11, Hochul addressed concerns about bail reform, acknowledging the frustrations of law enforcement. She emphasized the importance of allowing judges to consider the whole body of evidence when making bail decisions and expressed her commitment to keeping people safe.

Hochul responded to additional comments made by Tierney, who suggested the need to reinstate the dangerousness clause and emphasized the law needs to be looked over. 

“The standard changed just a few months ago — less than a year ago — and instead of the standard of dangerousness, we ask the judges now to look at a whole body of evidence,” she stressed.

Meanwhile, the community remains on edge as law enforcement continues to investigate the disturbing crime that has left a deep impact on the residents of the respective areas. As the investigation unfolds, residents are hopeful that meaningful change will come.

“Now, this is a very unique circumstance in Suffolk County,” Hochul said. “I know the Suffolk County Police Department is working hard to get to the bottom of this as is the DA. … They’re doing their job and I respect that. But the bail laws I thought went too far in the wrong direction. I’m bringing them back, and we’re going to continue to make sure that we keep people safe.”

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

Frank Costa and Jon Pucci Allegedly Set Fire to PSEG Long Island Substations to Facilitate

Their Burglaries of Nearby Commercial Establishments

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 27 that Frank Costa, 54, of Port Jefferson Station, and Jon Pucci, 29 of Middle Island, were indicted for allegedly committing a series of three arsons and nine commercial burglaries at businesses throughout Suffolk County.

“These alleged criminal acts have not only caused extensive damage, but have also put the lives of Suffolk County residents and first responders at risk,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I thank the Suffolk County Police Department for their thorough investigation of this case. Now, my office will ensure that these defendants are held accountable for their alleged extremely dangerous crimes.”

According to the investigation, between August 20, 2023, and February 9, 2024, Costa and Pucci allegedly burglarized nine businesses and set fires at three PSEG Long Island (“PSEGLI”) substations in Suffolk County. The defendants apparently believed the fires would cause power outages in the local community, which would distract law enforcement while Costa and Pucci committed the burglaries. On February 10, 2024, at approximately 12:00 a.m., Suffolk County Police Department detectives followed Costa and Pucci and placed them under arrest.

While police searched the location, they discovered an ATM that was allegedly stolen from a Shell Gas Station in Ridge the day before. Money from the ATM was allegedly found in the defendants’ pockets after their arrest.

The alleged burglaries occurred on the following dates and locations:

  •   December 11, 2023 – USA Gas, 1146 Middle Country Road, Middle Island.
  •   December 26, 2023 – USA Gas, 1146 Middle Country Road, Middle Island.
  •   December 26, 2023 – BP Gas, 1470 Middle Country Road, Ridge.
  •   December 29, 2023 – Gulf Gas, 240 West Main Street, Smithtown.
  •   December 31, 2023 – BP Gas, 3200 Veterans Memorial Highway, Bohemia.
  •   January 12, 2024 – Ideal Food Basket, 500 Jefferson Plaza, Port Jefferson.
  •   January 12, 2024 – DJM Laundromat, 1 Glenmere Lane, Coram.
  •   January 24, 2024 – Back Country Deli, 70 Horseblock Road, Yaphank.
  •   January 30, 2024 – Kings Park Car Care, 189 Main Street, Kings Park.
  •   February 9, 2024 – Shell Gas Station located at 1511 Middle Country Road, Ridge.
  • Costa and Pucci were each indicted for the following charges:
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   Nine counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, Class D felonies;
  •   Three counts of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, Class D felonies;
  •   One count of Attempted Burglary in the Third Degree, a Class E felony;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, a Class Efelony; and
  •   Three counts of Arson in the Fifth Degree, Class A misdemeanors.

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Travis Dickson

Travis Dickson Was Driving 119 mph With a Revoked License and While Impaired by Alcohol and Marijuana

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 9 that Travis Dickson, 32, of Brooklyn, pleaded guilty to driving his vehicle at an extremely high rate of speed on the Long Island Expressway and crashing into the back of another vehicle, killing a 9-year-old boy.

“This defendant’s dangerous actions caused the unthinkable death of a nine-year-old child in a booster seat and serious injuries to his father,” said District Attorney Tierney. “No family deserves to go through the heartache of losing a family member, let alone a child, to a drunk or drug- impaired driver. We hope that today’s guilty plea brings some measure of closure to the victim’s family.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on August 22, 2022, at approximately 1:49 a.m., Dickson drove a 2018 BMW 540i westbound on the Long Island Expressway at 119 mph, while he was impaired by a combination of alcohol and marijuana. Dickson then struck the back of a 2019 Toyota Corolla, making no attempt to use the vehicle’s brakes prior to the impact.

Inside the Toyota was a 9-year-old child restrained in a booster seat, and his father, the driver. The child was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was listed in critical condition due to the injuries sustained from the crash. The victim’s father was also taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. On August 24, 2022, doctors declared the child braindead, and he was ultimately removed from life support after arrangements were made to donate his organs.

Following the crash, Dickson exhibited signs of intoxication, made admissions to smoking marijuana, and law enforcement found marijuana on his person. A sample of Dickson’s blood drawn approximately three hours after the crash revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .14% and the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana. Law enforcement also determined that Dickson’s New York State driver’s license was revoked at the time he was driving the BMW.

On February 9, 2024, Dickson pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Horowitz, to the charges of:

  •   Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   Assault in the Third Degree, a Class A misdemeanor;
  •   Driving While Intoxicated and Driving While Impaired by the Combined Influence ofAlcohol and a Drug, an unclassified misdemeanor;
  •   Reckless Driving, an unclassified misdemeanor; and
  •   Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, an unclassifiedmisdemeanor.

    Dickson faces a sentence of four and a half to 13 and a half years in prison. He is due back in court for sentencing on April 5, 2024 and is being represented by Douglas Rankin, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys James Curtin and James Scahill of the Vehicular Crime Bureau with investigative assistance from Detective Juan Borbon of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Squad.

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

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney on Dec. 21 announced the indictment of Brandon Solar, also known as “Rico,” and Jennifer Aleman-Mejia, also known as Jennifer Alemamb and “Jelly,” of Ronkonkoma, accused of multiple counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance after they allegedly sold drugs to undercover officers including sales during which their young children were present.

“Not only are these two defendants accused of selling addictive and dangerous drugs, but they allegedly completed some of their illegal transactions with their small children present,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The danger posed to their own children by exposure to alleged drug dealing is immeasurable.”

According to the investigation, between August 2 and November 20, 2023, an investigator with the New York State Police assisting the Suffolk County District Attorney’s East End Drug Task Force, acting in an undercover capacity, contacted Solar and Aleman-Mejia on multiple occasions and arranged to purchase a quantity of cocaine. On one charged transaction, the defendants allegedly sold the undercover officer over three ounces of cocaine. For two of the charged transactions, the couple’s young children were allegedly present.

On December 7, 2023, members of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office East End Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Solar and Aleman-Mejia’s residence in Ronkonkoma. During the search, investigators recovered over an ounce of oxycodone, over one-eighth ounce of cocaine, fentanyl, a digital scale, drug packaging material, cash, and multiple cell phones. The children, who were present during the execution of the search warrant, were released to a relative. Child Protective Services (CPS) was also notified.

Solar, 32, is charged with:

 Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony;

 Six counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Intent to Sell), a Class B felony;

 Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (weight over one-half ounce), a Class B felony;

 Two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony;

 Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony;

 Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree a misdemeanor;

 Two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a misdemeanor;

 Two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a misdemeanor;

 Reckless Driving, a misdemeanor; and

 Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Second Degree, a misdemeanor.

 

Aleman-Mejia, 30, is charged with:

 Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony;

 Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class A-II felony;

 Nine counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Intent to Sell), a Class B felony;

 Three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (weight over one-half ounce), a Class B felony;

 Four counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony;

 Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony;

 Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree a misdemeanor;

 Two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a misdemeanor; and

 Four counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a misdemeanor.

On December 19, 2024, at his arraignment on the indictment, Acting Supreme Court Judge, the Honorable Stephen L. Braslow ordered Solar held on $500,000 cash, $1 million bond or $5 million partially secured bond. Solar is being represented by John Loturco, Esq. His next court date is January 11, 2024.

On December 21, 2024, at her arraignment on the indictment, Judge Braslow ordered AlemanMejia held on $500,000 cash, $1 million bond or $2 million partially secured bond. Aleman-Mejia is being represented by Sean Dixon, Esq. Her next court date is January 8, 2024.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s East End Drug Task Force is comprised of members of the District Attorney Investigators, East Hampton Town Police Department, New York State Police, Riverhead Police Department, Southold Police Department, Southampton Town Police Department, the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. This case is being handled by Assistant District Attorney Robert Archer of the Narcotics Bureau and is being investigated by District Attorney Investigator Todd Cracco of the DA’s East End Drug Task Force.

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New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern, center, is joined by Long Island elected leaders and members of law enforcement to announce the implementation of the Blue Alert System to aid in the apprehension of suspects of killing or seriously injuring a law enforcement officer in New York State. Photo from Steve Stern’s office

A system to track down those who kill or injure law enforcement officers across the nation has been implemented locally.

The Blue Alert System was recently rolled out in New York state and on Long Island. 

State Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills), one of the sponsors of the legislation to utilize the alert system, announced the implementation at a March 24 press conference in Mineola. The system is designed to help apprehend suspects who authorities believe killed or seriously injured a local, state or federal law enforcement officer.

The state Legislature unanimously approved the legislation. 

“I was proud to sponsor and pass this critically important legislation in support of the brave men and women of law enforcement who sacrifice so much to keep our neighborhoods safe,” Stern said in a press release. “The Blue Alert System has a proven track record of success nationwide and its implementation is long overdue in New York state. This initiative will help protect our community, protect our officers and save lives.”

The Blue Alert System is similar to the Amber Alert used to find missing children and the Silver Alert for missing vulnerable adults. New York joins 37 other states in using the new system, including New Jersey, Connecticut and Vermont. According to Stern’s office, the law creating the system went into effect March 16, allowing the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services to begin issuing alerts when needed. The state agency will be in consultation with law enforcement authorities.

The system is modeled after the nationwide alert system titled Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act of 2015. The nationwide system was named as such to honor Ramos and Liu, two New York City police officers who were killed in the line of duty in Brooklyn in 2014.

Among the system’s supporters is Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney (R), who was on hand for the press conference.

“Police officers go to work every day facing the risk of physical danger or death, selflessly confronting that peril to allow us the chance to live in peace,” Tierney said in a press release. “An attack against our first responders is an attack against our society and we must take every measure possible to help ensure the safety of our police.”

Law enforcement agencies can request the alert if they believe “that the public dissemination of information may help avert further harm or accelerate apprehension of the suspect,” according to the legislation. Depending on the case, the alert can be issued on a regional or statewide basis. The system will be used in coordination with the New York State Department of Transportation, public television and radio broadcaster organizations. Information may include details such as the suspect’s vehicle or license plate number.

The National Fraternal Order of Police has reported as of April 3, 99 officers in the country have been shot in the line of duty so far this year, a 44% increase from 2021 year to date. Of the 99 shot, 10 of them were killed by gunfire, which is 33% less year to date from 2021. 

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Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced On Jan. 13 that JILLIAN KOLSCH, JAHSHAWN STRICKLAND,  JONRAY PEREZ, and KAYLA ALVARENGA are each indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, arising out of their participation in a botched home invasion robbery which resulted in the fatal shooting of Louis Lombardo in 2021.

“These defendants allegedly conspired to commit a violent armed robbery, and needlessly took the life of an occupant in the home in the process,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Now, they will have to answer for this senseless killing.”

According to the investigation, on October 27, 2021, KOLSCH, STRICKLAND, PEREZ, ALVARENGA and another individual conspired to commit a robbery during a marijuana deal. The alleged plan was for STRICKLAND and another individual to set up a dealer by pretending to buy marijuana from him, and for ALVARENGA and PEREZ to then rob the seller of his marijuana and money.

Playing their part in the alleged plan that night, STRICKLAND and the 2 other individual went to the garage of the dealer’s Huntington Station house, pretending that they were there to purchase marijuana. ALVARENGA and PEREZ, both armed with guns, then approached the home’s garage while KOLSCH waited in the car as the getaway driver. Finding the garage door locked, ALVARENGA and PEREZ yelled to the occupants, demanding that they open the door and threatening them with violence if it was not opened.

One of the defendants then fired a shot through the closed garage door. The bullet struck and killed Lombardo, 28, of Dix Hills, a friend of the dealer who was in the garage at the time. The evidence includes video surveillance recovered from both the interior and exterior of the garage.

KOLSCH, 20, of Smithtown, is charged with Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, two counts of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B felony; and one count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony. She was arraigned January 12, 2023, before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Timothy P. Mazzei and was remanded without bail.

ALVARENGA, 20, of Deer Park, is charged with Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony; two counts of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B felony; two counts of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony; and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor. She was arraigned before County Court Judge, the Honorable Anthony S. Senft, Jr., on January 6, 2023, and was remanded without bail.

STRICKLAND, 17, of Bay Shore, is charged with Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony; two counts of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B felony; and two counts of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony. He was arraigned before County Court Judge, the Honorable Anthony S. Senft, Jr., on January 9, 2023, and was remanded without bail.

PEREZ, 17, of Babylon, is charged with Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, two counts of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B felony, one count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony; and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor. He was arraigned before County Court Judge, the Honorable Anthony S. Senft, Jr., on January 9, 2023, and was remanded without bail.

Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.

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Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Dec. 23 that defendant Kenyonne Fleurinay of Huntington Station was sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty in September to Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree and then failing to voluntarily return to court for sentence.

“Not only did this defendant violently abduct a person that he should have cared for, but he was brazen enough to abscond from court and commit another felony while on the run,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This defendant’s actions have earned him a significant sentence.”

On March 6, 2022, Fleurinay, 23, abducted his 20-year-old girlfriend from America’s Best Value Inn in Smithtown following an argument, and drove her against her will into Brooklyn, New York. Surveillance video from a gas station in Melville captured the victim twice attempt to flee from Fleurinay’s car and Fleurinay twice violently throw the victim back into the vehicle. While driving from Suffolk to Kings County, Fleurinay repeatedly whipped the victim about her body with a phone charger. During the abduction, the victim’s mother contacted the defendant and pleaded with him to return her daughter until he ultimately drove her back to Suffolk County, where he was apprehended by the Suffolk County Police Department.

Fleurinay, pleaded guilty on September 9, 2022, to Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable John B. Collins.  He was scheduled to be sentenced on September 23, 2022. However, Fleurinay failed to return to court for sentence and a warrant was issued for his immediate arrest. On October 30, 2022, he was arrested by the Nassau County Police Department for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony, and was returned to Suffolk County to face sentencing on this charge. Fleurinay was sentenced to 13 years in prison followed by 5 years post release supervision.

Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments.

Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.

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Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Dec. 21 that Jazzame Paranzino pled guilty to Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree for stealing funds from the accounts of 11 residents who were in her care at a Maryhaven home.

Jazzame Paranzino

“This defendant stole funds from people with severe disabilities who were in need of 24-hour care,” said District Attorney Tierney. “These individuals and their families trusted her, and instead of honoring that trust, this defendant stole thousands of dollars from them for her own personal use.”

In her plea, Paranzino, 31, admitted that from January of 2020 to March 2021, she stole funds from the bank accounts of 11 residents while she was working as the site manager for Maryhaven Center of Hope, a residential facility in Medford. This residence houses severely developmentally disabled adults who are unable to care for themselves in many ways, including managing their own finances.

As site manager, Paranzino had control of and access to the bank accounts and debit cards of the 11 residents. 2 One of her responsibilities was to withdraw money to place in each residents’ petty cash envelope so they could go on outings to eateries and local stores. In addition, she was able to withdraw money for various expenditures for home goods for each resident, such as furniture and electronics.

Paranzino took money from the residents’ bank accounts under the guise of purchasing items that they needed, but instead she stole more than $50,000 from the residents.

Paranzino pleaded guilty to Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Timothy P. Mazzei. As a condition of her guilty plea, Paranzino has agreed to repay the monies stolen and will be sentenced to four months’ incarceration and five years’ probation.

Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.

 

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Photo from Suffolk County DA's office
Anthony Santiesteban was allegedly caught on video immediately before and after the killing which occurred in a Coram parking lot

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced the indictment of defendant Anthony Santiesteban, 30, of Centereach, who is accused of Murder in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in connection to the death of Martina Thompson.

“This defendant allegedly killed the victim in a brazen and thoughtless manner. Thankfully, he was caught with the murder weapon in his hand on high-definition video,” said DA Tierney. “Violent crime, particularly gun violence, will not be tolerated in Suffolk County. These cases are a priority, and we will do everything in our power to put a stop to the violence.”

Photo from Suffolk County DA’s office

As set forth in the People’s bail application, on October 29, after engaging in a lengthy conversation with the victim, which was captured on video surveillance, Santiesteban was then seen following Thompson, 33, of East Patchogue, into a desolate fenced area located in the rear parking lot of a strip mall where he allegedly shot her once in the face. Immediately afterwards, Santiesteban was captured on video walking out of the fenced area with what appears to be the murder weapon, a semi-automatic handgun, in his hand.

Santiesteban was not masked and was wearing distinctive clothing. On November 2, the murder weapon – a loaded and defaced 9 mm handgun – was recovered from Santiesteban’s bedroom in Centereach pursuant to a search warrant.

Santiesteban is charged with Murder in the Second Degree, a class A violent felony; two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, C violent felonies; and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a class D violent felony. He faces a minimum sentence of 25 years to life if convicted on the top count and a consecutive sentence up to 15 years imprisonment on the weapons charges.

At his arraignment on the indictment earlier today, the Honorable Steven Pilewski of the Suffolk County Court, remanded Santiesteban without bail. Santiesteban is being represented by John Manley, Esq. His next court is scheduled for December 13.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau.

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