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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney

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Chelsey Murray

Jaquan Casserly Pleaded Guilty in April to Selling Chelsea Murray Illicit Drugs Which Resulted in Her Death

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Jaquan Casserly, 34, of Holbrook, was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty in April 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.

“This defendant is responsible for cutting a 31-year-old woman’s life short by selling her a deadly mix of fentanyl and heroin,” said District Attorney Tierney. “His conviction and sentence remove a dangerous individual from the streets of Suffolk County, but there is more work to be done. I will continue to stand by Chelsey Murray’s heartbroken parents as I urge lawmakers to pass Chelsey’s Law, which provides additional penalties for causing overdose deaths.”

Chelsey’s parents, Gene and Sue Murray recently joined District Attorney Tierney in Albany in January 2024 to call for New York State lawmakers to pass Chelsey’s Law, which if passed, would allow prosecutors to charge a drug dealer with manslaughter or aggravated manslaughter, for knowingly selling a drug that causes a victim to fatally overdose. Click here to view the press release from the January 2024 Albany rally.

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According 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. On May 8, 2024, Casserly was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by three years of post-release supervision. He was represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.

This case was 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

Randy Woods and Dwayne Jones Allegedly Stripped the Vehicles at Night

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on May 8 a 190-count indictment charging Randy Woods, 37, of Wyandanch and Dwayne Jones, 45, of Central Islip, for allegedly stealing tires and rims from 114 vehicles during the course of more than a year.

“Quality of life crimes have been a priority since day one of our administration, and this indictment reaffirms our dedication to them,” said District Attorney Ray Tierney. “More than 100 vehicle operators in Suffolk County parked their cars here only to return to them without tires and rims. These more than 100 victims had to suffer collateral damages from these crimes such as missed appointments, missed work, a missed vacation or a planned vacation in the immediate aftermath of these crimes. My commitment to tackling these types of crimes remains. If you steal other people’s property, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

“The National Insurance Crime Bureau would like to applaud the staff of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the investigators who tirelessly participated in this investigation. We are pleased that NICB had the opportunity to provide support,” said Kevin Gallagher, Regional Director of the Northeast Region of the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

“Individuals who prey on consumers by stealing tires and rims from vehicles, not only cause financial loss but disrupt every aspect of the consumer’s lives. These arrests demonstrate the commitment by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office to prosecute those responsible to the full extent of the law.”

According to the investigation, between July 1, 2022, and October 20, 2023, Woods and Jones allegedly targeted residents, car dealerships, and rental car companies across Suffolk County to steal tires and rims from several vehicles, with preference to vehicles from Honda, Toyota, Mercedes Benz, BMW, and black rims from SUVs. The total property damage in this case is estimated to be $500,000.

Woods was indicted on the following charges after stealing tires and rims from 52 automobiles:

  • Twenty-two counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Class D felonies;
  • Five counts of Auto Stripping in the First Degree, Class D felonies;
  • Two counts of Auto Stripping in the Second Degree, Class E felonies;
  • Twelve counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, Class E felonies;
  • Twenty-seven counts of Auto Stripping in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors; and
  • One count of Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

    Woods was arraigned on the indictment on May 7, 2024, before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins who set bail in the amount of $100,000 cash, $1,000,000 bond, and $1,000,000 bond secured at ten percent. Woods is also being held in Suffolk County on previous charges of Strangulation in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.

    Jones, was indicted on the following charges after stealing tires and rims from 101 automobiles:

    • Fifty-seven counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Class D felonies;
    • Sixteen counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, Class E felonies;
    • Six counts of Auto Stripping in the First Degree, Class D felonies;
    • Five counts of Auto Stripping in the Second Degree, Class E felonies;
    • Fifty-two counts of Auto Stripping in the Second Degree, Class E felonies;
    • Twelve counts of Auto Stripping in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors; and
    • One count of Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

      Jones is currently serving a jail sentence in Bergen County, New Jersey in a separate case involving the theft of tires and rims. He is being extradited back to Suffolk County to be arraigned on this indictment.

Woods is due back in court on June 14, 2024. As persistent felony offenders, Woods and Jones face a potential maximum sentence of 25 years to life of incarceration on these charges.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys James Bartens and Blythe Miller of the Financial Crimes Bureau, with assistance from Detective Michael Lavella of the Property Auto Crime Unit of the Suffolk County Police Department, Detective Michael Filippazzo of the Gun Crime Reduction Unit of the Suffolk County Police Department, and Research Technician Emily Kiersnowski of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Specialized assistance was also received from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

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Miller Place Man and a Lake Grove Man Were Indicted After Three-Months Long Investigation that Allegedly Links Them to Illegal Drug Sales and Possession of Fentanyl

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 29 that Robert Mauro, 39, of Miller Place and a 35-year-old Lake Grove man were indicted for numerous crimes related to the fatal overdose of an adult female and the near-fatal overdose of a child.

“It is heartbreaking to see a defenseless and innocent child become yet another casualty of a deadly illegal drug. What is more outrageous is that the child’s father is alleged to have placed his own son in close proximity to such poison,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Then, two weeks after that baby nearly died from ingesting fentanyl, the same dealer is alleged to have sold the same to a Patchogue woman who was not as fortunate as the child and lost her life. Senseless and tragic results such as these will continue to occur in our communities until the legislature enacts real drug reform.”

The District Attorney’s Office is not naming the defendant in order to protect the identity of the child victim.

page1image58764672According to the investigation, on January 13, 2024, members of the Suffolk County Police Department and the Ronkonkoma Fire Department responded to a 911 call reporting a non- responsive infant on Colmar Avenue in Lake Grove. When they arrived, “John Doe,” an 11-month- old infant, had turned blue, his eyes were rolled toward the back of his head, and he was having extreme difficulty breathing. Due to his serious condition, the ambulance that was transporting the boy to the hospital had to pull over during the transit so a MedCat Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) could board the ambulance to provide additional lifesaving care to the infant. The child had stopped breathing for an extended period of time on the way to Stony Brook University Hospital and had been unresponsive for approximately 40 minutes. When the medics inside the ambulance determined that the symptoms the child was exhibiting were from opiate poisoning they quickly acted and provided the baby with a quantity of Narcan in each nostril. Five minutes after the administration of Narcan, he took a full breath on his own and began to cry.

Below is the link to the video shared at the press conference via YouTube.

Once at the hospital, the 11-month-old child was diagnosed with acute fentanyl poisoning, hypoxia, and respiratory failure and required additional doses of Narcan in the Pediatric Emergency Room. After his admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the infant was placed on a Narcan drip in order to prevent recurrent respiratory failure due to the opioid poisoning. The child’s father was arrested on the same day, however, he was released from jail without bail because his charge was considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors could not ask for, and the judges could not set bail.

A search of the Lake Grove residence was conducted by the Suffolk County Police Department, and investigators allegedly recovered a straw containing cocaine, 4-ANPP, heroin, and fentanyl residue, a digital scale containing cocaine, heroin and fentanyl residue, and a plastic bag containing cocaine residue.

A review of phone data recovered from John Doe’s father’s phone revealed that on January 4, 2024, and January 5, 2024, he was allegedly in contact with Mauro where they discussed a sale of narcotics where Mauro allegedly offered to sell narcotics to John Doe’s father. Mauro allegedly knew that the narcotics that he intended to sell John Doe’s father had caused an overdose previously. Over the next few days John Doe’s father actively sought out the drugs from Mauro.

On January 9, 2024, Mauro allegedly sold the drug to John Doe’s father, just four days before the infant ingested a near fatal dose of fentanyl.

On January 29, 2024, while Suffolk County Police Department Fourth Squad detectives were conducting their investigation into John Doe’s father and Mauro, Homicide Squad detectives responded to a fatal overdose that occurred at a home in Patchogue. At that location, law enforcement recovered from the scene was the 31-year-old victim’s cell phone, and a quantity of fentanyl/4-ANPP .

A review of the victim’s phone data showed that she had purchased narcotics from Mauro on January 26, 2024, and January 28, 2024. Mauro allegedly told the victim that he would sell her a “non-fenty” mix, meaning narcotics without any fentanyl. An autopsy conducted by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that the female victim’s cause of death was a mixed drug intoxication of acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, fluro fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, methoxyacytal fentanyl, xylazine, and buprenorphine.

On February 20, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Mauro’s home in Miller Place. During the execution of the warrant, Mauro allegedly attempted to destroy evidence by throwing a digital scale and a quantity of fentanyl/4-ANPP out of his bedroom window into the snow, but were recovered by law enforcement, as well as suboxone pills and Mauro’s cellphone.

A review of the digital evidence recovered from Mauro’s phone allegedly showed that he communicated with the victim on the day that she overdosed. Also, in a separate text communication with another person, Mauro allegedly described how strong his drugs were when he ingested them, causing him to be “knocked out” for hours.

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The District Attorney’s Office is not naming the victim.

Mauro was indicted for:

  •   One count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class Bfelonies;
  •   Three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, ClassB felonies;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a ClassC felony;
  •   One count of Tampering with Evidence, a Class E felony;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a ClassA misdemeanor; and
  •   One count of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor.John Doe’s father was indicted for:
  •   One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a ClassA misdemeanor; and
  •   One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor.On April 29, 2024, both defendants were arraigning on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis.Justice Wilutis ordered Mauro and John Doe’s father remanded during the pendency of the case. Mauro is due back in court on May 14, 2024, and he is being represented by Matthew Touhy, Esq.John Doe’s father is due back in court on May 16, 2024, and is being represented by Scott Lockwood, Esq

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Danielle Davis of the Narcotics Bureau.

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

In response to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office request for the public’s help to identify the owner of two small dogs that had been intentionally abandoned in Sunken Meadow State Park in March, the Suffolk County Police Department received a tip that led to the arrest of Roger Guzman-Gomez, 43, of Selden on April 18. Guzman-Gomez is due to be arraigned in Suffolk County First District Court on May 8. Both Thelma and Louise have since been adopted.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jack Nicholas of the Biological, Environmental and Animal Safety Team (BEAST).

Below is the original press release:

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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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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