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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney

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Peter Pendzinski

Peter Pendzinski Admitted to Shooting and Setting Nathanael Rodriguez on Fire

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 12 that Peter Pendzinski, 24, of Shirley, pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges, for fatally shooting 21-year-old Nathanael Rodriguez, of Bay Shore, in December 2020.

“This defendant brutally murdered Nathanael Rodriguez by shooting him in the head and neck and attempted to cover up his crimes by desecrating the victim’s body by setting it on fire,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the quick thinking of the Suffolk County first responders on scene, the defendant’s plan to cover up his crime was quickly foiled. This defendant’s conduct in the commission of this murder warrants a lengthy prison time, which we will seek at the sentence.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s statements during his plea allocution, on December 26, 2020, at approximately 12:00 a.m., Pendzinski, who was driving a Mercedes Benz, picked up the victim, Rodriguez, from his home in Bay Shore. The victim got inside of Pendzinski’s vehicle and sat in the passenger’s seat. Shortly thereafter, Pendzinski pulled out a revolver and shot Rodriguez five times in the head and neck, killing him. Pendzinski then drove from Bay Shore to his home in Shirley with Rodriguez’s body still in the front passenger seat.

Once Pendzinski arrived at his residence, he moved Rodriguez’s body to the backyard where he placed leaves over him. Pendzinski proceeded to pour gasoline over the victim and set his body on fire. A 911 caller reported excess smoke coming from an open fire at Pendzinski’s residence. When Suffolk County police officers responded to the location, they observed Pendzinski shoveling leaves onto an open fire. When officers asked if anyone was inside of the home, Pendzinski lied and said yes. While officers were attempting to gain entry into the home, Pendzinski moved Rodriguez’s burning body to the other side of the backyard. When officers realized what Pendzinski was doing, he was swiftly stopped and placed under arrest.

During law enforcement’s investigation, detectives observed the passenger side window of the Mercedes Benz was damaged from the shooting. Law enforcement recovered a saw, a pair of pliers, and floor mats covered with blood in Pendzinski’s driveway, some of which contained Rodriguez’s DNA. Additionally, a Smith and Wesson handgun and a can of gasoline were recovered in a detached garage.

On April 12, 2024, Pendzinski pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro, to one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Class C felonies. Pendzinski is due back in court on May 17, 2024, and is expected to be sentenced to 18 years to life in prison. Pendzinski is represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Melissa Grier of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Jeffrey Bottari of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Unit.

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Jaquan Casserly is Expected to be Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 8 that Jaquan Casserly, 34, of Holbrook, pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, for selling fentanyl to Chelsey Murray, 31, of Lake Grove, that resulted in her fatal overdose in 2022.

“We are resolute on our commitment to ensure that the suppliers of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Not only do these greedy dealers supply deadly drugs to vulnerable individuals, but they also can literally kill them with just a tiny amount,” said District Attorney Tierney. “That is why I continue to advocate for the passage of ‘Chelsey’s Law,’ a law that holds drug dealers accountable for the overdose deaths caused by the drugs they sell.”

Chelsey Murray

Chelsey’s parents, Gene and Sue Murray recently joined District Attorney Tierney in Albany to call for New York State lawmakers to pass Chelsey’s Law, which if passed, would charge a drug dealer with manslaughter or aggravated manslaughter, for knowingly selling a drug that causes a victim to fatally overdose.

page1image18010176According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on August 18, 2022, Chelsey was found unresponsive in the bathroom by her mother, and police responded to the Murray’s residence. Chelsey was administered Narcan, which works to reverse the effects of fentanyl, and she regained a pulse. Chelsey was then transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where she ultimately passed away several days later as a result of a drug overdose.

Following Chelsey’s hospitalization, an undercover detective from the Suffolk County Police Department contacted Casserly and arranged for a sale of narcotics. Casserly then sold the undercover detective a combination of heroin and fentanyl contained in a red glassine envelope, which police were able to establish was similar to the one that Chelsey’s father Gene found in the bathroom where Chelsey overdosed.

On August 27, 2022, police executed a search warrant at Casserly’s Holbrook residence and recovered a combination of heroin and fentanyl, a digital scale used to weigh narcotics, red and black glassine/wax envelopes used to package narcotics, a pair of metal knuckles, and Casserly’s cell phone. The red envelopes were similar in appearance to the ones sold to the undercover detective. A search of Casserly’s phone showed that he arranged to meet Chelsey on August 17, 2022, offering to sell her “fetty mix,” a street term used to describe a mix of fentanyl and heroin.

Prior to this case, Casserly was previously convicted of Attempted Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree in 2018, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree in 2011.

On April 5, 2024, Casserly pleaded guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Casserly is due back in court for sentencing on May 8, 2024, and is expected to be sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by three years of post-release supervision. He is being represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Danielle Davis of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Michael DeMauro of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Narcotics Section.

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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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Joseph Adonis, who allegedly died due to acute mixed drug intoxication by a mixture of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl.

14-Month-Old Joseph Adonis Had a Mixture of Heroin, Cocaine, and Fentanyl in His Body at the Time of His Death

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 1 the superseding indictment of Wilkens Adonis, 38, and Daryllee Leibrock, 38, of Holbrook, who were each indicted for manslaughter, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of weapon, and other related charges, for allegedly possessing guns and illicit drugs in the same apartment they shared with their 11-year-old child and their approximately 14- month-old toddler, Joseph Adonis, who allegedly died due to acute mixed drug intoxication by a mixture of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl.

“Fourteen-month-old Joseph Adonis died from an overdose due to ingesting a cocktail of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl,” said District Attorney Tierney. “How many more innocent children must die for change to be enacted? It is well past the time for New York State legislators to wake up, put politics aside, and pass common sense legislation related to fentanyl.”

According to the investigation, on the morning of January 3, 2024, Suffolk County Police Officers responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child at the defendants’ residence in Holbrook. When they arrived, law enforcement found Wilkens Adonis, Leibrock, and their unresponsive toddler, Joseph Adonis (DOB: 11/4/22), in the couple’s bedroom. The toddler was taken by ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Detectives from the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad responded to the home to investigate and found narcotics and drug paraphernalia in the bedroom where the child had been found. As a result, members of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Narcotics Section were called to assist with the investigation. A search warrant of the defendants’ apartment was executed, and law enforcement allegedly found over one-eighth ounce of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, over one-eighth ounce of cocaine, alprazolam, methadone, drug packaging materials, two digital scales used to weigh drugs, an electronic stun gun, a loaded shotgun, and a rifle, all of which were allegedly unsecured and easily accessible to the defendants’ children. DNA swabs were taken from several packages of drugs found within the room, one of which allegedly had Joseph Adonis’ DNA on it.

At the time of this incident, Leibrock was allegedly subject to Suffolk County Family Court orders of protection that prohibited her from being around both children, as well as from possessing illegal drugs that created an unreasonable risk to the health, safety, or welfare to either child.

The defendants were arrested on possession of drugs and weapons charges, which at the time, were the highest charges that could have possibly been charged, and all of which were non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning that prosecutors could not ask for bail, nor could a judge set bail. The defendants were indicted and arraigned on the indictment, but no bail could be placed on the charges. The defendants were only held in custody due to outstanding warrants that each had at the time of their arrest, as well as a contempt charge lodged against Leibrock for allegedly violating the orders of protection. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office then continued to investigate the death of Joseph Adonis.

After conducting an autopsy, the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that Joseph Adonis’ cause of death was acute mixed drug intoxication by a mixture of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl. Based on the results of the autopsy, the drugs and weapons allegedly found in the defendants’ apartment, and the location of those items, the defendants are now alleged to have recklessly caused the death of their son, Joseph Adonis.

Once the results of the autopsy were received by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the defendants were indicted on the additional charge of Manslaughter in the Second Degree in a superseding indictment. Only with that additional manslaughter charge would Suffolk County prosecutors ask for bail in this case.

Additionally, prior to the death of Joseph Adonis, on November 3, 2022, members of the New York State Police had allegedly stopped a vehicle driven by Leibrock in which Wilkens Adonis was a passenger. Inside the vehicle, the State Police allegedly observed what appeared to be cocaine. Law enforcement subsequently searched that vehicle, and allegedly found cocaine, oxycodone, and heroin. Additionally, in a purse allegedly belonging to Leibrock, investigators recovered an alprazolam pill, commonly referred to as Xanax. On Adonis’ person, investigators allegedly found heroin and cocaine, as well as straws that contained heroin and cocaine residue. Both defendants were placed under arrest, one day before Joseph Adonis was born. The alleged crimes from this incident were also non-bail eligible under current New York State law. At the time of Joseph Adonis’ death, the defendants each allegedly had warrants for failure to appear in Suffolk County First District Court on the November 2022 charges.

Adonis now stands indicted for the following charges:

  •   One count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Intentto Sell), Class B felonies;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, ClassC felonies;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree (Intentto Sell), Class D felonies;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   Six Counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, ClassA misdemeanors;
  •   Two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, Class Amisdemeanors;
  •   Two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Class A misdemeanors;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, Class Amisdemeanors; and
  •   Two counts of Failure to Safely Store Rifles, Shotguns, and Firearms in the First Degree,Class A misdemeanors.

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Leibrock now stands indicted for the following charges:

  •   One count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Intentto Sell), Class B felonies;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, ClassC felonies;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree (Intent toSell), Class D felonies;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a Class Amisdemeanor;
  •   Six counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, ClassA misdemeanors;
  •   Two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, Class Amisdemeanors;
  •   Two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Class A misdemeanors;
  •   Four counts of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree, Class A misdemeanors; and
  •   Two counts of Failure to Safely Store Rifles, Shotguns, and Firearms in the First Degree,Class A misdemeanors.On April 1, 2024, both defendants were arraigned on the superseding indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Philip Goglas. Justice Goglas ordered that Adonis and Leibrack each be held on $500,000 cash, $1 million bond, or $5 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Both defendants are due back in court on May 14, 2024. Wilkins Adonis is being represented by Matthew Tuohy, Esq. Leibrock is being represented by Steve Fondulis, Esq.

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From left, Thelma and Louise. Photo courtesy of Suffolk D/A.'s office

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the Suffolk County Police Department, and Crime Stoppers are seeking the public’s help in identifying and locating the individual(s) wanted in connection to the abandonment of two small dogs in Kings Park.

Abandoned dogs running in the park. Photo courtesy of Suffolk D.A.’s office

On March 5, at approximately 12:10 p.m., an unknown subject driving a tan or gold SUV was seen pushing two small white dogs out of the subject’s car, releasing them into Sunken Meadow State Park, and then fleeing. The two dogs were subsequently located and brought to the Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter covered in ticks. The dogs were not microchipped and had no other identifying information.

The Town of Smithtown renamed the dogs “Thelma” and “Louise.” They are both mixed breed dogs. Thelma, who has since been adopted, is estimated to be four years old. Louise is estimated to be two years old.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-8477. Crime Stoppers has pledged a reward of up to $5,000 for any information that results in an arrest. The public can also provide information directly to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office at: https://suffolkcountyny.gov/da/Contact-Us/Report-Animal-Abuse-Neglect-or-Illegal-Possession- of-an-Exotic-or-Dangerous-Animal

If you are interested in adopting Louise, please submit an online adoption application to the Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter at https://www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com/.

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

Elizabeth M. Motti Allegedly Stole Nearly Half a Million Dollars from Her Elderly Parents’ Money to Gamble

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced on March 13 the indictment of Elizabeth M. Motti, 55, of Farmingville, for allegedly stealing approximately $440,000 from her vulnerable elderly parents over a one-and-a-half-year period that she used to gamble at Jake’s 58 Casino in Islandia.

“Our elder community is at increased risk for fraud and theft,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We want to place those who choose to exploit our vulnerable populations on notice that if you are caught, you will be held accountable.”

According to the investigation, between April 2017 and November 2018, Motti allegedly stole a total of $440,063 from her parents’ bank accounts by using debit cards to make withdrawals in the amount of $355,046 at ATM machines located at Jake’s 58 Casino and by making cash withdrawals from their accounts in the amount of $85,017. Motti’s parents had moved in with her after her mother had surgery so Motti could be her caretaker.

On March 13, 2024, Motti was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro, for Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony.

Justice Ambro ordered Motti to be released on her own recognizance. Under current New York State law, the offense for which Motti was indicted is considered non-bail eligible meaning prosecutors cannot ask for bail. Motti is being represented by the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County. Her next court date is April 18, 2024.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Donna M. Planty of the Financial Crimes Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Anthony Mezzapelle from the Suffolk County Police Department currently assigned to the Financial Crimes Bureau of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

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

Prepared by District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney and Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds

Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds

New York’s roads are deadlier than ever. With the legalization of personal use quantities of marijuana and New York’s antiquated impaired driving laws, which have not kept up with new synthetic designer drugs, the problem is getting worse by the day. The Drugged Driving Loopholes in our laws enable dangerous drivers to escape responsibility far too often while endangering innocent people simply trying to drive on our roads or walk on our sidewalks in safety.  

The Drugged Driving Loopholes exist because New York is one of only four states that still uses an archaic list to allow for arrest and prosecution of drugged driving. In New York, to prosecute a drugged driver, it is not enough that the drug has impaired the driver. The substance must be listed in the Public Health Law passed by the state Legislature and signed by the governor, before a dangerous, obviously impaired driver can be arrested. Right now, a driver can be as “high as a kite,” but if they are high on a drug, or other substance that is not listed, they go free. For instance, drugs such as xylazine (“tranq”), analogues of fentanyl and nitazene (“ISO”) are not on New York’s list.  

With modern chemistry, our lawmakers cannot keep up with new designer synthetic drugs coming out regularly. The constant influx of new impairing substances has turned the drug list into a barrier against stopping dangerously impaired drivers. It is at the root of the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendation to New York and three other states to abandon the limitation of an ineffective drug list that will never be able to keep up.  

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney

Additionally, even drivers high on a drug that is on New York’s list can avoid responsibility by simply refusing to take an identifying test because it prevents the drug from being named. Twenty percent of drivers in New York evaluated by police Drug Recognition Experts in 2021 refused to take a chemical test, up from 13 percent in 2019. We are not protected when drugged drivers can escape arrest simply by refusing a test. 

The type of alcohol ingested by a driver does not have to be named for someone to be charged with Driving While Intoxicated and if impairment is observed, no test is needed to establish a blood alcohol level or whether it was whiskey, vodka or wine, that has caused a driver to be impaired. The same should be true for drugs.  

Just like with alcohol impairment, driver appearance, behavior and common sense ought to apply to drug-impaired drivers too. Blood alcohol tests are valuable evidence in DWI cases, but if drivers refuse the test for alcohol, they can still be prosecuted and lose their licenses based on the other impairment factors.  

This is a public safety and public health emergency. If we have learned anything during the current opioid crisis, it is that public safety is enhanced when law enforcement and addiction treatment providers work together. Laws that hold people accountable for their actions, paired with evidence-based substance use prevention messages and readily accessible drug and alcohol treatment for those who need it, will save lives.  

It is time to plug the loopholes. New York’s outdated approach to impaired driving handcuffs law enforcement, leaves those struggling with a drug problem untreated and puts innocent people at risk. A commonsense bipartisan bill (S3135/A174), backed by both law enforcement and addiction treatment providers, has been introduced in Albany this session to plug these Drugged Driving Loopholes. We need to be responsible and keep everyone safe. It is time to reverse the increase in highway deaths and save lives by passing the Deadly Driving Bill.  

Raymond A. Tierney (R) is the Suffolk County district attorney and Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds is the president/CEO of Family and Children’s Association, based in Garden City. Both are members of the Coalition to Protect New Yorkers from Drugged Driving. 

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Ray Tierney will run for Suffolk County district attorney this November on the Republican and Conservative tickets. Photo from Tierney’s office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 27 that Hayden Daley, 28, of Deer Park, was indicted for Rape in the Second Degree and other related charges, for allegedly repeatedly raping a 13-year-old child who was a resident of the WellLife Network in Dix Hills while he was employed there.

“Children, particularly those who are vulnerable due to their life circumstances, deserve the utmost protection,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office is committed to holding accountable anyone who abuses their position of authority to sexually exploit others.”

According to the investigation, in May 2023, Daley was a Child Support Professional at the WellLife Network, a residential facility for children operated by the New York State Office of Mental Health. Over the course of several months, Daley allegedly subjected the 13-year-old victim to numerous acts of sexual abuse which occurred both inside and outside of the group home. After Daley learned that he was under investigation for these alleged crimes, he quit his job at the WellLife Network. However, Daley allegedly continued to meet the victim outside of the group home on various occasions and sexually abused her.

On January 20, 2024, Daley allegedly drove to the group home and attempted to pick up the victim in his car, but an employee at the facility called the police. When the police arrived, they placed Daley under arrest.

On February 26, 2024, Daley was arraigned on the indictment before County Court Judge, the
Honorable Karen M. Wilutis, for the following charges:
 Five counts of Rape in the Second Degree, Class D felonies;
 Eight counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the Second Degree, Class D felonies;
 One count of Rape in the Third Degree, a Class E felony;
 Three counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, Class E felonies;
 Two counts of Sexual Misconduct, Class A misdemeanors; and
 One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A Misdemeanor.

Judge Wilutis ordered Daley to be held on $80,000 cash, $160,000 bond, or $800,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Daley is due back in court on April 1, 2024, and is being represented by Robert Macedonio, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Katherine Flinchum of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau with investigative assistance from Detective Matthew Garcia of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Second Squad.

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Messiah Booker

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 27  that Messiah Booker, also known as Matthew Booker, 38, of Riverhead, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of his involvement in a May 2022 shooting that occurred while he was on parole release from prison for a separate felony.

“With this sentence, we want the public to know that we are holding perpetrators of violence accountable,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This happened in broad daylight in the parking lot of an apartment complex full of people. Violence will not be tolerated in Suffolk County.”

The evidence at trial established that on May 20, 2022, Booker got into a verbal dispute with a teenager in the parking lot area of an apartment complex in downtown Riverhead. As the argument escalated, Booker threatened to shoot the juvenile, and then briefly entered his black Jeep Compass before returning with a loaded gun in a fanny pack. Booker then began to pull the gun from the fanny pack, causing him to flee for his life.

The victim’s family arrived at the apartment complex shortly thereafter, at approximately 3:50 p.m.,
and Booker began to argue with them. During the argument, a large crowd gathered in front of the building. Booker went back to his Jeep, retrieved the same loaded firearm from earlier, and shot at one of the people in the crowd. The bullet ricocheted off the ground and struck another victim in the forearm. Booker then fled the scene on foot.

Riverhead Town Police Department officers responded to the scene and located a 9 mm shell casing
from the shooting. Booker’s Jeep Compass, which was still at the scene, was impounded and a search
of its contents was conducted pursuant to a search warrant. During the search, law enforcement
recovered drugs including cocaine and morphine, over $1,000 in small denomination bills, four
cellular phones, walkie-talkies, a tactical vest, 9 mm ammunition, a digital scale typically used to
weigh narcotics, and drug packaging material including glassine envelopes.

Law enforcement tracked Booker’s movements with assistance from the United States Marshals
Service, and he was apprehended days later and placed under arrest.

On February 27, Booker was convicted after a jury trial heard before Acting Supreme Court
Justice, the Honorable Anthony S. Senft, Jr. of the following charges:
 Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent
felonies;
 Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree: with the
Intent to Sell, Class D felonies;
 Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, Class
A misdemeanors;
 One count of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a Class A
misdemeanor; and
 One count of Menacing in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Prior to this incident, Booker had five felony convictions, two of which were violent felonies. In
particular, Booker was convicted in 2017 of Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree, a Class D
violent felony, for his role in a home-invasion burglary. Booker was released to parole supervision
in 2019 and was still on parole for that conviction at the time of this incident.

On February 27, 2024, Justice Senft sentenced Booker to 25 years to life in prison. He was represented by Ian Fitzgerald, Esq.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys William Richards and Raymond Coscia of the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Richard Freeborn of the Riverhead Town Police Department.

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Arthur Oneal

Arthur Oneal Allegedly Recorded Himself Raping a Woman While She Was Unconscious

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 24 that Arthur Oneal, 36, of Centereach, was indicted for Rape in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, for allegedly drugging and then raping a woman while he recorded the incident.

“Accountability for perpetrators of sexual abuse is not just a legal obligation, but also a moral one,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will do everything in its power to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable, not just for the sake of justice, but to protect and empower survivors and to send a clear message that these crimes will not be tolerated in Suffolk County.”

According to the investigation, on December 9, 2023, Oneal allegedly brought the victim to his home in Centereach after drugging her with a sleep-aid while they were having drinks in Huntington. The defendant then allegedly sexually assaulted the victim until she lost consciousness. The victim later woke up in a bed next to Oneal and saw blood on the sheets. The victim went to a local hospital where a SANE examination was performed, which concluded that the victim had suffered recent sexual abuse. The Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner tested a sample of the victim’s urine, which revealed that Zolpidiem, commonly known as Ambien, was present. The victim did not voluntarily ingest Ambien at any time prior to the urinalysis.

During law enforcement’s investigation, detectives recovered videos and images from Oneal’s cell phone which allegedly depict the victim being sexually assaulted by the defendant while she was unconscious. Detectives also allegedly recovered bloody sheets and multiple pairs of women’s underwear from Oneal’s home.

On February 23, 2024, Oneal was arraigned on the indictment before County Court Judge, the Honorable Karen M. Wilutis, charging him with one count of Rape in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony, and one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D violent felony. Judge Wilutis ordered Oneal held on $500,000 cash, $1,000,000 bond, or $5,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Oneal is due back in court on March 11, 2024, and he is being represented by Michael Elbert, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Aileen E. Iorio of the Major Crime Bureau with the investigation conducted by Detective Anthony Parenti of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Squad.

If you or someone you know believe you have been victimized by Arthur Oneal, please contact the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

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