CLOSE
Tags Posts tagged with "Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney"

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney

by -
0 492
Eric Freeman

Eric Freeman Faces Up to Life in Prison at Sentencing if Found to be a Persistent Felony Offender

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Eric Freeman, 48, of Bellport, was found guilty after a jury trial of four counts of Burglary and one count of Rape, for burglarizing four homes, raping a teen who was in one of the homes, and then attempting to rape another woman that he harassed at another home.

“This defendant, a previously convicted Level Three sex offender who was out on bail for failing to register as a sex offender, brazenly targeted women who were alone in their homes,” said District Attorney Tierney. “During the commission of his crimes, he sexually assaulted two women, and then returned to harass one of his victims to terrify her further. This conviction ensures that he will no longer pose a threat to women or any other Suffolk County residents.”

The evidence at trial established that between June 22 and July 16, 2021, Freeman illegally entered four homes in Suffolk County which were occupied by women at the times of the break-ins.

Beginning on June 22, 2021, Freeman entered a Bay Shore residence where a 16-year-old female was inside alone. Freeman sexually assaulted the teen and threated to kill her when she screamed for help. Freeman then fled the residence.

On June 25, 2021, Freeman attempted to enter and burglarize a home in Bellport while harassing a woman who was inside, under the pretense that he was looking for water. A week later, on July 1, 2021, Freeman returned to the same home, illegally entered, and attempted to rape a different woman who was living alone in a small apartment attached to the main house. The woman was able to dissuade Freeman by offering him money. Prior to leaving her home, Freeman tried to obstruct the woman’s breathing by choking her. Three days later, on July 4, 2021, Freeman again returned to the woman’s home to taunt and harass her.

On July 12, 2021, Freeman illegally entered another Bellport residence while a mother and her 11- year-old son were inside and stole money and other personal items from the home. Freeman was arrested by Suffolk County Police officers later that day and was found with several stolen items in his pockets. When he was arraigned on those charges, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office requested that bail be set in the amount of $75,000 cash, $150,000 bond or $750,000 partially secured bond. However, at his arraignment, Suffolk County District Court Judge Edward J. Hennessey released Freeman on his own recognizance and ordered that he wear a GPS ankle monitor. It was later determined that Freeman, despite having the ankle monitor, did not charge it so his location could not be tracked.

On July 16, 2021, Freeman illegally entered a Huntington Station residence where a female was home with her 7-year-old daughter. While inside, Freeman stole money and choked the woman in front of her child. Freeman fled the home after the mother and child began screaming and banging on the walls to an adjoining apartment. Freeman was arrested by Suffolk Police shortly thereafter.

In November 2023, while he was being held in jail for these charges, Freeman was indicted for Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony, for allegedly attempting to smuggle fentanyl into the correctional facility through his unsuspecting defense attorney. That case is still pending.

Prior to these crimes, Freeman was determined to be a Level Three sex offender stemming from a 1990 juvenile offense conviction. He was later convicted of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender in June 2021, and at the time that the instant crimes were committed, he was out of custody and ordered by a judge to be released on his own recognizance while pending sentence on that case.

On February 9, 2024, Freeman was convicted after a jury trial, heard before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard I. Horowitz, of the following charges:

  •   Two counts of Burglary in the First Degree, a Class B Violent Felony;
  •   Rape in the First Degree, a Class B Violent Felony;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, a Class B Violent Felony;
  •   Attempted Rape in the First Degree, a Class C Violent Felony;
  •   Two counts of Burglary in the Second Degree, a Class C Violent Felony;
  •   Two counts of Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree, a Class D Violent Felony;
  •   Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D Violent Felony;
  •   Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D Violent Felony
  •   Two counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, a Class E Felony;
  •   Rape in the Third Degree, a Class E Felony;
  •   Three counts of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, a Class A Misdemeanor;
  •   Two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A Misdemeanor;
  •   Two counts of Harassment in the Second Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree, a Class B Misdemeanor

    Freeman is due back in court on March 20, 2024, for sentencing and faces up to life in prison if found by the court to be a persistent felony offender. He is being represented by John Halverson, Esq. and Christopher Gioe, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tara Laterza of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Dena Rizopoulos of the Homicide Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detectives Alberto Acevedo and Michael Oberg of the Suffolk County Police Department.

by -
0 830
Marcus Reid
Marcus Reid is expected to be sentenced to 20 years in prison

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 7 that Marcus Reid, 24, of Riverhead, pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, for the fatal shooting of Branzel Bonner, 25, during a robbery in December 2021.

“A life was taken far too soon,” said District Attorney Tierney. “While this plea cannot undo the victim’s death, I thank the prosecutor on this case for securing the defendant’s conviction and holding him accountable for this senseless fatal shooting.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on December 2, 2021, at approximately 9:50 a.m., in the woods behind 50 Middle Country Road in Coram, Reid fired multiple rounds from a semiautomatic .40 caliber handgun at the ground below Bonner’s feet, demanding that he hand over his fanny pack. When Bonner refused, Reid repeatedly shot Bonner in the torso. Reid then attempted to remove Bonner’s fanny pack from his motionless body, but was unsuccessful, so he instead removed the contents. Reid then fled the scene. Bonner was pronounced dead at Stony Brook University Hospital within an hour of the shooting.

In his haste to flee, Reid dropped his own debit card at the scene which was recovered by law enforcement and was also captured on surveillance video.

On February 7, 2024, Reid pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Stephen L. Braslow, to Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class B felony, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, a Class C felony.

Reid is due back in court on March 11, 2024, and is expected to be sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He is being represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Eric S. Aboulafia of the Homicide Bureau, with investigative assistance from retired Detectives Patrick Portela and Kenneth Buckheit of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Section.

by -
0 590
Jesus Bonilla

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 8 that Jesus Bonilla, 21, of Commack, pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the Second Degree and Reckless Driving, for his role in a street racing crash that killed James Beck, 57, of Huntington Station.

“James Beck’s death was completely avoidable and occurred because this defendant recklessly engaged in street racing with another driver,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Suffolk County’s roadways are not racetracks. Anyone caught driving recklessly and jeopardizing the lives of other motorists or pedestrians will be held accountable.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on November 19, 2022, at approximately 8:45 p.m., Bonilla was operating a 2009 Honda sedan westbound on Jericho Turnpike when he began racing a Saab SUV allegedly operated by co- defendant Jared Cooper. Witnesses observed the Honda and Saab vehicles driving side by side at high rates of speed, running red lights, and crossing into oncoming traffic. The victim, James Beck, was struck by Bonilla’s vehicle while he was walking across Jericho Turnpike at the intersection of Totten Avenue in Huntington Station. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Crash reconstruction determined that Bonilla was driving 79 mph in a 40-mph zone at the time he struck the victim.

On February 8, 2024, Jesus Bonilla pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, and Reckless Driving, a Class A misdemeanor, before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro.

Bonilla is due back in court for sentencing on April 4, 2024, and faces up to two to six years in prison. He is being represented by Michael Franzese, Esq.

Cooper’s case is still pending, and he is being represented by Jonathan Manley, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James Curtin of the Vehicular Crime Bureau with investigative assistance from Detective Anthony Iadevaio of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Second Squad.

by -
0 726
Kevin Galloway

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 6 that Kevin Galloway, 53, of Holtsville, was sentenced to two to six years in prison after pleading guilty in November 2023 to Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, following a crash in Huntington Station that killed 48-year-old Natividad Interiano, of Huntington, in August 2023.

“This defendant knew he struck a pedestrian with his car, but instead of stopping to help the victim, Galloway stopped at a gas station to check for damage to the front of his vehicle.” said District Attorney Tierney. “I want to thank the prosecutors for their commitment to securing this conviction, and I hope this sentence provides Interiano’s family and friends with some measure of comfort knowing the man who took their loved one is paying for the crime he committed.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s statements during his plea allocution, on August 27, 2023, at approximately 9:12 p.m., nearby video footage captured Galloway traveling eastbound in his black 2003 Chevrolet Suburban and striking Interiano as he was crossing the intersection on East Pulaski Road in Huntington Station. Interiano, who had been walking with a cane, was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the crash.

After the incident, Galloway fled the scene where another video surveillance camera captured him entering a BP Gas Station on Park Avenue in Huntington Station. The video footage depicted Galloway pulling into the gas station, inspecting the front end of his vehicle, and pushing the left headlight back into the vehicle before driving away.

On August 28, 2023, in an attempt to evade law enforcement, Galloway replaced the hood, front grill, and rims of his vehicle. The next day, Galloway took the damaged parts of the vehicle to a recycling center in Medford where they were scrapped for cash. Galloway was subsequently arrested on September 1, 2023, when he admitted to driving the vehicle at the time of the collision.

On November 6, 2023, Galloway pleaded guilty to Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class D felony before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Timothy P. Mazzei.

On February 6, 2024, Justice Mazzei sentenced Galloway to two to six years in prison and his license was revoked. He was represented by Eric Besso, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys James McCormack and Raymond Varuolo of the Vehicular Crime Bureau with investigative assistance from Detective Joseph Bianco of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit.

by -
0 860
Terence Wolffe

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 2 that Terence Wolffe, 42, of Mastic, pleaded guilty to Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree and related charges for intentionally damaging parkland in the undeveloped wilderness of Walter S. Commerdinger Jr. County Park in Nesconset. He is now mandated to contribute socially, physically, and financially towards the county’s efforts to improve the environment.

“This is the perfect balance of what we believe is the future of combatting environmental crimes. Not only will this defendant have to pay for the damage he has done, but he is also mandated to be a part of the solution or face jail time,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Beyond simple remediation, this court-mandated comprehensive plan develops, cleans and adds stewards of environmental care in Suffolk County.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s statements during his plea allocution, Wolffe damaged county parkland within the confines of Walter S. Commerdinger Jr. County Park. Beginning in April 2023, Wolffe travelled to an off-trail area in the interior of the park to clear and excavate a personal “hang-out” spot in the woods. Using machetes, axes, and shovels, Wolffe chopped down native trees, removed native vegetation, and dug up ground-brush, thatch, soil, dirt and earth from an area approximately 1,150 square feet in dimension.

Wolffe then piled the displaced brush, soil, and tree limbs upon adjacent park land (smothering other native vegetation). While some trees around the periphery were left standing, Wolffe had allegedly hacked and sectioned their roots, causing severe and fatal damage that, in turn, jeopardized those on trails from falling timber. The depth of Wolffe’s excavation caused the adjacent wetland to flood into the pit.

Wolffe’s conduct was detected in November 2023 by Suffolk County Park Rangers. He was confronted at the scene and ultimately arrested on December 5, 2023, after a full site investigation was completed. He was also cited for having a machete on county parklands.

In December, District Attorney Tierney announced his “Evergreen Initiative,” a broad-based enforcement, awareness, and legislative plan to counter-act destruction of Suffolk’s natural environment. A component of this initiative is the DA’s commitment to incorporate environmental stewardship into plea agreements. As an illustration of this plan in action, the conditions of Wolffe’s plea require him to accumulate a total of 100 “Green Points.”

Wolffe is mandated, under terms of his plea, to accumulate his points through a combination of Green Point types, rather than focus purely on just one avenue.

Wolffe must achieve at least 50 Green Points within seven months of his entering a guilty plea. Wolffe then must acquire any outstanding points within six months of his sentencing. Any unearned points will convert to jail-time.

Additionally, Wolffe will also have to file monthly reports to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office on his progress and submit a personal statement describing, at a minimum, his experiences in undertaking the activities, a review of the organizations he came into contact with, ideas for future environmental endeavors and lessons learned from his experiences

On February 2, 2024, Wolffe pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro to Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor, and eight counts of Suffolk County Parks violations. He is being represented by Steven M. Politi, Esq. His next court date is September 3, 2024.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jed L. Painter of the District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) with investigative assistance from the Suffolk County Parks Department.

 

by -
0 629
Jeffrey Edsall

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Jan. 30 that Jeffrey Edsall, 52, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Vehicular Assault and other related charges, for stealing a car, driving it while under the influence of alcohol, and causing a four-car collision in North Patchogue that left a 73-year-old woman with serious physical injuries.

“This defendant was not only operating a stolen car, but he was doing so while under the influence of alcohol,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Motorists and their passengers have the right to drive the streets of Suffolk County without having to fear that they are going to be struck by a reckless drunk driver. This defendant presented a clear danger to the citizens of Suffolk County and now will be held accountable for his dangerous actions.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on June 15, 2023, at approximately 7:04 p.m., Edsall was driving a stolen blue 2001 Ford Explorer northbound on North Ocean Avenue in North Patchogue. Video surveillance footage from a nearby business captured the stolen vehicle rear-end an SUV which was waiting to make a left turn into a parking lot.

The force of the crash caused the SUV to be pushed forward several feet and the stolen vehicle to spin into the oncoming southbound lane where it collided with two additional vehicles, one of which contained a 73-year-old woman. As a result of the crash, the victim suffered a broken nose, a fractured right wrist, a fractured right leg that required surgery, and other physical injuries.

During the crash, Edsall was ejected from the stolen vehicle and found lying unresponsive nearby. The Suffolk County Police Department transported Edsall to Stony Brook University Hospital, where a sample of his blood taken by hospital staff was subsequently seized pursuant to a search warrant. Edsall’s blood was tested, which revealed that his blood alcohol concentration was .13% at the time the blood was drawn.

On January 30, 2024, Edsall pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro, to the following charges:

  •   One count of Aggravated Vehicular Assault, a Class C felony;
  •   One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, a Class Efelony; and
  •   One count of Driving While Intoxicated Per Se, a Class E felony.Edsall is due back in court on March 4, 2024, and is expected to be sentenced to 3 to 6 years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision. The District Attorney’s Office is recommending that Edsall be sentenced to the maximum sentence allowed by law, which is 7.5 to 15 years in prison with 5 years post-release supervision. Edsall is being represented by Adam J. Markou, Esq. of the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James McCormack of the Vehicular Crime Bureau with investigative assistance from Detective Stephen Masciopinto of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fifth Squad.

by -
0 648
Tenia Campbell

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Jan. 29 that Tenia Campbell, 28, of Medford, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison after pleading guilty in December 2023 to two counts of Murder in the First Degree, after suffocating her twin two-year-old daughters to death in June 2019.

“These two young lives were cut short by the one person who was supposed to love and protect them,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Although the 20-year sentence here resolves this sad case, it will not bring back these girls.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admission during her plea allocution, on June 27, 2019, at approximately 2:37 p.m., Campbell’s mother called 911 to report that Campbell was driving around in the family van and was threatening to kill her daughters, Jaida and Jasmine. Law enforcement launched a large-scale search for Campbell and her daughters between the areas of Medford and Montauk. At approximately 4:00 p.m., an East Hampton Police Officer spotted the van just off Montauk Highway, a few miles west of Montauk Point.

When the officer approached, she saw Campbell outside of the van. The officer walked over to the van and saw Campbell’s two-year old twin daughters dead in their car seats. Campbell later admitted to smothering the girls to death.

On December 13, 2023, Campbell pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro, to two counts of Murder in the First Degree, a Class A violent felony.

On January 29, 2024, Justice Ambro sentenced Campbell to 20 years to life in prison. She was represented by John Halverson, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Schroeder of the Homicide Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective Ron Tavares of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

by -
0 857
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Jan. 26 that Christopher Loeb, 37, of Smithtown, was indicted for Assault in the Second Degree, and other related charges, for allegedly pushing an 89-year-old woman to the ground and throwing a metal plant stand at her, resulting in a fractured femur.

“Violence against anyone should never be tolerated, but it is especially reprehensible when that violence is directed against an elderly woman in their own home,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thankfully, the alleged victim in this case called 911, and the law enforcement who responded to the scene was able to remove the defendant from the home and render aid to the victim.”

According to the investigation, on January 12, 2024, the victim entered her kitchen to find Loeb breaking glass plates, dinner chairs, and a butcher’s block stand. He then allegedly grabbed the victim and pushed her to the ground. While Loeb continued damaging other items around the house, including the front door, the victim was able to stand up and call 911. Loeb then allegedly threw a metal plant stand at the victim’s right leg, which resulted in a fractured femur, pain, and bruising.

The police arrived and observed the victim still lying on the floor of her living room where she fell after the alleged assault. Loeb was pacing around the second story of the house, allegedly holding a broken table leg, which the police recovered before placing him under arrest.

The victim was taken to St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in Smithtown to receive treatment for her various injuries and remains in rehabilitative care.

On January 25, 2024, Loeb was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Steven A. Pilewski, for two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Class D violent felonies, and one count of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree, a Class E felony. Justice Pilewski ordered Loeb held on $75,000 cash, $150,000 bond, or $750,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Loeb is due back in court on February 15, 2024, and is being represented by Christopher Cassar, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Melissa Grier of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau with investigative assistance from Detective Alexander Otero of the Suffolk County Police Department.

by -
0 667
Jennifer Nelson

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Jennifer Nelson, 35, of Shirley, was sentenced to 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison after a jury found her guilty in September for Leaving the Scene of an Incident after hitting a 15-year-old boy with her car several times and then fleeing the scene.

“This is a horrible turn of events that no child should ever have to endure by the hands of an adult,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Witnesses described how this defendant left a 15-year-old boy crawling away from her vehicle as she smirked and left the scene without remorse. Thoughtless and criminally dangerousness will not be tolerated in Suffolk County.”

The evidence at trial established that on October 7, 2022, Nelson mowed down a teenager with her 2020 Honda Passport after a verbal confrontation with him and others at a parking lot of a bagel store. Nelson’s vehicle struck the victim who then fell to the ground. She then drove over the victim, reversed her car, drove over the victim again and then fled the scene. In an attempt to evade police officers, Nelson traded in her vehicle for a newer model.

The victim suffered serious physical injuries including multiple fractures of the pelvis, six fractured ribs, a punctured lung, and numerous bruises and abrasions.

On September 26, 2023, Nelson was found guilty after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice, Timothy P. Mazzei for the charge of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class E felony.

On January 26, 2024, Justice Mazzei sentenced Nelson to 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison. She was represented by Katherine Fernandez, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Veronica M. McMahon, Tara K. O’Donnell, and James J. O’Rourke, IV of the Major Crime Bureau with investigative assistance from Detective Adam Friedlander of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Seventh Squad and SCDAO Violent Felony Offense Squad Detective Investigators John Roberts and Reginald Sykes.

by -
0 907

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Laura Bee, 59, of Lake Grove, formerly the manager of Ever Love Jewelry in Huntington Village, pleaded guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree after stealing over $137,000 worth of jewelry from her customers.

“Over almost three years, this defendant used her position as the manager of a jewelry store to scam her friends and unsuspecting customers,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This defendant took advantage of her position for personal gain, and my office will continue to prosecute professionals who steal from their customers.”

According to the investigation and the defendant’s admissions during her guilty plea allocution, from September 27, 2019, to June 26, 2022, Bee agreed to take possession of various jewelry items, valued at approximately $31,000 for the purpose of selling on behalf of her friends. Bee kept these items despite numerous demands for the proceeds of the sale or the return of the items.

Between October 7, 2020, and August 19, 2022, Bee sold various diamond engagement rings to customers who thought they were buying rings with natural diamonds.

When customers later had their rings appraised, they discovered that the stones were lab grown diamonds, worth significantly less than the natural diamonds they paid for. Using this scheme, the investigation revealed that Bee stole approximately $47,000 from unsuspecting couples.

On December 10, 2021, Bee agreed to repair a broken diamond engagement ring for a friend. She was entrusted with the engagement ring valued at approximately $15,000. When Bee returned the ring to her friend, the natural diamond had been replaced with a lab grown diamond, worth approximately $2,000.

In addition, from June 22, 2022, to December 7, 2022, Bee stole almost $50,000 from other jewelers who sold her jewelry. Throughout this time, Bee issued six bad checks from the Ever Love Jewelry bank account, knowing the funds in the account would not cover the checks.

On January 16, 2024, Bee pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Karen Kerr, to one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony. As part of the plea agreement, Bee is expected to make full restitution.

Bee is due back in court on March 25, 2024, and she is being represented by Matthew Tuohy, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Lynch of the Major Crime Bureau with investigative assistance from Suffolk County Police Department Detective Christopher Anskat of the Second Precinct.

Prev1...345...11Next Page 4 of 11
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©