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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney

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Suffolk County D.A. Raymond Tierney

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 19 that Leo Flores-Gracias, 26, of Huntington Station, was indicted for Aggravated Vehicular Manslaughter and other related charges, for allegedly driving while intoxicated and crashing into another vehicle, killing his own passenger, Marlon Nunez-Cuellar, 25, of Huntington Station.

“This defendant’s alleged decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol caused the tragic death of Marlon Nunez-Cuellar,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will seek justice for the victim and his loved ones, as we continue the push to keep our roadways in Suffolk County safe.”

According to the investigation, on July 4, 2023, at approximately 8:06 p.m., Flores-Gracias and three others left a party where he had allegedly been drinking alcohol and they got into Flores- Gracias’ 2017 Honda Accord. Flores-Gracias allegedly began driving northbound on Sweet Hollow Road in Huntington at a high rate of speed, and crashed head-on into a vehicle that was driving southbound.

Marlon Nunez-Cuellar, one of Flores-Gracias’ passengers, was transported to Plainview Hospital where he was pronounced dead from injuries he sustained in the crash. The operator of the vehicle that was struck head-on, was uninjured.

When police officers arrived at the scene, they noticed that the defendant exhibited indicia of intoxication, and placed him under arrest.

On September 19,  Flores-Gracias was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Steven A. Pilewski, for the following charges:

  •   One count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a Class B felony;
  •   One count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   One count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, an Unclassified misdemeanor;
  •   Two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, Unclassified misdemeanors; and
  •   One count of Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor.

Justice Pilewski order Flores-Gracias held on $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond or 2.5 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. If convicted of the top count, Flores- Garcias faces up to 25 years in prison. Flores-Gracias is due back in court on October 25.

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

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced the indictment of Kevin Galloway, 53, of Holtsville, who is accused of leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in the death of 48-year-old, Natividad Interiano, of Huntington Station, in August.

“This defendant cared more about evading responsibility for his criminal actions than rendering aid to the man he allegedly struck and killed crossing the road,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Pedestrians have the right to walk the streets in Suffolk County without having to worry that they are going to get struck by a vehicle and left to die. My office will seek whatever small measure of justice we can for Mr. Interiano and his loved ones.”

According to the investigation, on August 27, 2023, at approximately 9:10 p.m., nearby video footage allegedly captured Galloway traveling eastbound in his black 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, strike Interiano as he was crossing the intersection on East Pulaski Road in Huntington Station. Interiano was pronounced dead at the scene from the injuries he sustained from the crash. After the incident, Galloway allegedly continued to travel east on East Pulaski Road, where another video surveillance camera captured him allegedly entering a BP Gas Station on Park Avenue in Huntington Station.

The video footage allegedly depicted Galloway pulling into the gas station and 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 allegedly replaced the hood, the grill, and the rims of his vehicle. The next day, Galloway allegedly took the damaged parts of the vehicle to Gershow Recycling in Medford to be scrapped for cash. Galloway was subsequently arrested on September 1, 2023.

On September 15, 2023, Galloway was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Timothy P. Mazzei to the charges of one count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class D felony; and one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence, a Class E felony. Judge Mazzei ordered Galloway held on $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond or $1 million partially secured bond and suspended his license during the pendency of the case.

Galloway is due back in court on October 11, 2023. He is being represented by Eric Besso, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James McCormack of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective Joseph Bianco of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case unit.

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Ronald Bernardini

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 12 that Ronald Bernardini, 65, of Smithtown, a chiropractor at a Lake Ronkonkoma medical office, pleaded guilty to Endangering the Welfare of a Child, after inappropriately touching a 16-year-old female patient during a chiropractic examination.

“This defendant abused his position as a licensed chiropractor when he took advantage of an innocent patient to satisfy his own sexual interests,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Instead of upholding his duty to provide medical care, the defendant violated his duty and the victim’s trust by conducting his examination extremely inappropriately. Predatory behavior, especially against minors, will not be tolerated in Suffolk County.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution on October 24, 2022, the victim was seen by Bernardini for a routine chiropractor examination. The victim was brought into an examination room while her father was being seen in another room.

During the examination, Bernadini unnecessarily brushed his hands against the breasts of the then- 16-year-old female patient. After the examination concluded, the victim immediately texted a friend as well as her father.

The victim and her father then left the chiropractic office. While driving home from the office, the victim called her mother, who in turn called the police. Bernardini was arrested the next day, on October 25, 2022.

On September 12, 2023, Bernardini pleaded guilty before Acting County Court Judge, the Honorable James Saladino, for Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor. As part of his plea, Bernardini was required to surrender his license to practice as a chiropractor. Judge Saladino also issued an order of protection against Bernardini, in favor of the minor female victim. Bernardini was represented by Anthony La Pinta, Esq.

If you believe that you or someone you know have been victimized by Ronald Bernardini, or any medical professional, please contact the Suffolk County Police Department or the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Sean Murphy and Syl-Don O’Gilvie of the District Court Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective Christopher Tine of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth Squad.

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Christopher Volpe

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 8 that Christopher Volpe, 44, of Patchogue, pleaded guilty to Burglary in the Third Degree for leading and being a part of a trio that burglarized five Suffolk County Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in 2022.

“This defendant admitted to breaking into these businesses and now he’s going to face justice,” said District Attorney Tierney. “These types of crimes not only violate the law, but they also negatively affect our quality of life in Suffolk County. Businesses that are repeatedly targeted, either leave neighborhoods or raise their prices and this inevitably impacts the quality of life in our communities across Suffolk County.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s statements during his plea allocution, between December 28, 2022, and January 20, 2023, Volpe burglarized five Dunkin’ Donuts locations with the help of co-defendants Michael Gruber, 54, of Medford and Kristen Osmolia, 52, of Holbrook. Gruber drove Volpe and Osmolia to and from each of the burglary locations.

Once there, Volpe pried open the back doors of the locations while the businesses were closed, and stole money from cash drawers, boxes, and safes. During the last three burglaries, Osmolia allegedly acted as a lookout, and assisted with stealing money from inside one of the locations.

Volpe led the group to burglarize the following Dunkin’ Donuts locations:

  •   December 28, 2022 – 5050 Nesconset Highway, East Setauket.
  •   December 30, 2022 – 430 N. Country Road, Saint James.
  •   January 2, 2023 – 235 W. Main Street, Smithtown.
  •   January 3, 2023 – 411 Furrows Road, Holbrook.
  •   January 20, 2023 – 1105J Horseblock Road, Farmingville.

Investigators with the Suffolk County Police Department linked Gruber’s 2019 Chevrolet Equinox to each of the burglaries and apprehended the defendants in the moments following their last heist in Farmingville on January 20, 2022. In total, Volpe, Gruber, and Osmolia collectively stole approximately $6,500 from all five locations. Of that total, approximately $4,500 was recovered subsequent to the arrest of the defendants.On September 7, 2023, Volpe pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable John B. Collins to two counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, Class D felonies, in satisfaction of the indictment charging him with five counts of Burglary in the Third Degree. Volpe is due back in court on October 13, 2023, for sentencing. He is expected to be sentenced to 5 to 10 years in prison.

Gruber, who was charged with five counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, pleaded guilty to one count of Burglary in the Third Degree in satisfaction of the indictment on May 31, 2023. Gruber is awaiting sentencing.

Osmolia is charged with three counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, a Class D felony and is being held on $250,000 cash bail, $500,000 fully insured bond, and $1,000,000 partially secured surety bond. Her next court date is September 13, 2023.

 

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Anthony Milano

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 8 that Anthony Milano, 31, of Selden, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, for speeding and driving while intoxicated which led to a crash that killed his rear passenger.

“This defendant’s decision to drink and then drive killed one person and seriously injured another,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I urge everyone to drive safely and call a cab or schedule a car service if you have consumed any alcohol.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on August 15, 2022, at approximately 2:14 a.m., Milano was driving at a high rate of speed on Clearview Avenue in Selden when he lost control of his vehicle causing him to crash into a parked car, and then a tree. Milano’s rear passenger, Paige Swiecicki, 30, of Selden, was killed due to injuries sustained from the crash. Milano’s front passenger, Scott Johnson, 30, of Selden, sustained serious physical injuries and was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital.

During the initial investigation, Milano made admissions to drinking alcohol prior to driving, and consented to a blood test which revealed his blood alcohol concentration was .09%. Prosecutors later obtained a warrant for Milano’s blood that was taken upon his admission to Stony Brook University Hospital, which revealed his blood alcohol concentration was .11%.

page1image56746320Additionally, an analysis of Milano’s vehicle’s black box revealed he was driving 78 miles per hour seconds before the crash.

On September 8, 2023, Milano pleaded guilty before County Court Judge, the Honorable Stephen L. Braslow, to Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a Class B felony, Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony and Driving While Intoxicated, an unclassified misdemeanor.

He is due back in court for sentencing on December 7.

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

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Felix Martinez, 46, of Port Jefferson Station, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges, after Richard Shields, 56, died of injuries he sustained after Martinez allegedly brutally beat and choked him in front of their shared residence.

“Richard Shields suffered brutal and deadly injuries after this defendant allegedly attacked him,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will continue to work hard to ensure appropriate justice as a result. We will not allow individuals to carry out such acts of violence in Suffolk County without facing significant consequences.”

According to the investigation, on August 4, 2023, shortly after 12:00 p.m., Martinez confronted the victim, Richard Shields, in front of the house they shared on Jarvin Road, in Port Jefferson Station. Video surveillance footage recovered from a neighbor’s home showed that the confrontation began while Shields was seated on a chair in front of the home. Over the course of 15 minutes, Martinez allegedly repeatedly punched, choked, and stomped on Shields, and then struck him on the head with a mop bucket. Martinez culminated the attack by stripping Shields of his clothing and then urinating on him as he lay unconscious on the ground.

When members of the Suffolk County Police Department arrived at the scene, they found Martinez in front of the house, smoking a cigar while Shields laid unconscious at his feet. Martinez was then placed under arrest.

Shields was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was listed in critical condition. Five days later, on August 9, 2023, after succumbing to the injuries he sustained from Martinez’s attack, Shield was pronounced dead.

On August 29, 2023, Martinez was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable John B. Collins, for Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony, and Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony. Judge Collins ordered Martinez remanded without bail or bond during the pendency of the case.

Martinez’s next court date is September 22, 2023. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Jeremy Schileppi, Esq.

This case is prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Carlos J. Benitez II of the Major Crime Bureau, with investigative assistance from the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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Guillermo Ayala Jr.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 21 that Guillermo Ayala Jr., 30, of Calverton, pleaded guilty to attacking and slashing his ex-girlfriend’s family after they attempted to deny him entry into their home in December 2022.

“This defendant was so determined to carry out violence against the mother of his children that he savagely attacked three of her family members that attempted to stop him,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thankfully, this defendant now faces a significant prison sentence which will afford the victim and her family a sense of safety and security.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on December 2, 2022, Ayala and the mother of his children went shopping and out to dinner. Afterwards, Ayala drove around for hours demanding that the victim show him her cell phone so that he could see who she had been speaking to. At one point, Ayala pulled over into a desolate area of Riverhead and placed his hands around the victim’s neck to prevent her from breathing. Ayala also held a razor to her throat and threated to kill her if she didn’t give him her phone. Ultimately, the victim was able to convince Ayala to bring her home.

The next evening, the victim met with family members at her parents’ house to discuss her fear for herself and her children following the events of the night before. While the family was gathered, Ayala began knocking on the front door. When the victim’s stepmother answered the door and told Ayala to leave, Ayala pushed his way past her and entered the home. Family members who heard the commotion went to the front door. Ayala then punched the victim’s father and then slashed his face with a razor blade.

When the victim’s uncle attempted to pull Ayala off the victim’s father, Ayala slashed the uncle in the face with the razor, causing a deep, 4.5-inch laceration from the top of his forehead down to the bottom of his jaw and continuing behind his ear, resulting in permanent disfigurement to his face. As the struggle to subdue Ayala continued, Ayala bit both the father and the uncle on their arms. The victim’s aunt attempted to help, and Ayala slashed her arm with the razor blade.

During the altercation, the victim called 911 for help. Members of the Suffolk County Police Department arrived at the scene and saw the razor still in Ayala’s hand as the victim’s family held him on the ground. Ayala was then placed under arrest.

On August 21, 2023, Ayala pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Timothy P. Mazzei, to the charges of one count of Burglary in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony; one count of Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony; and one count of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, a Class A misdemeanor.

 

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Ralph Dominguez

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 18 that Ralph Dominguez, 66, of Middle Island, was sentenced to three to six years in prison for robbing an M&T Bank in Centereach of $2,770.

“This defendant thought he could make a quick buck by threatening bank employees with harm if his demands were not met,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I commend the swift response from the Suffolk County Police Department who apprehended this defendant while he was fleeing, and recovered the money stolen during the robbery.”

According to the investigation and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on January 31, 2023, Dominguez entered an M&T Bank in Centereach, and handed the teller a note demanding U.S. currency in various denominations. While handing the teller the note, Dominguez simultaneously placed his hand in his jacket, seeming to suggest that he was armed with a gun. The note demanded that when the teller was done handing over the money, to turn around and count to fifty so no one would get hurt. The teller complied with the demand and put $2,770 in a bank deposit bag and handed it to Dominguez. Dominguez then fled the bank but was apprehended by members of the Suffolk County Police Department shortly thereafter. During the arrest, law enforcement recovered the bank deposit bag containing the money from Dominguez’s person.

On July 7, 2023, Dominguez pleaded guilty before County Court Judge, the Honorable Anthony S. Senft, Jr., to Robbery in the Third Degree, a Class D felony. On August 18, 2023, Dominguez was sentenced to three to six years in prison. Dominguez was represented by Michael Elbert, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Patrick E. Fedun of the Major Crime Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective William Berhalter of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit.

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

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 16 that Raynard Williams, 47, of Central Islip, was indicted for leaving the scene after he allegedly struck pedestrian Paul Benjamin, 68, also of Central Islip, as he was walking at the intersection of Carleton Avenue and Elmore Street in Central Islip.

“This defendant allegedly fled the scene after knowingly striking Paul Benjamin, leaving him to die in the street. Those alleged actions are inexcusable,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I thank the Suffolk County Police Department for their investigation into tracking down and arresting the defendant.”

According to the investigation, on July 31, 2023, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the victim, Paul Benjamin, was walking across Carleton Avenue at its intersection with Elmore Street. Williams, who was allegedly driving a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe southbound on Carleton Avenue, struck Benjamin with his vehicle and drove away without stopping to render aid or call 911. Benjamin was transported to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore where he was pronounced dead.

During their investigation, law enforcement recovered video surveillance footage from multiple establishments.

page1image18732112Video surveillance from a 7-Eleven depicted that after Williams allegedly struck Benjamin, he pulled into the parking lot, exited his vehicle, looked back down the road where the incident allegedly occurred, and then returned to his vehicle and drove away. Additionally, law enforcement was able to obtain the license plate of the Hyundai that struck Benjamin from video surveillance footage from other commercial establishments and license plate readers.

Two days after the incident, detectives from the Suffolk County Police Department located the Hyundai that allegedly struck Benjamin outside of Williams’ home. Williams was arrested the following morning, on August 3, 2023.

On August 16 Williams was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Steven A. Pilewski, for Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class D felony. Judge Pilewski ordered Williams held on $75,000 cash, $150,000 bond, or $750,000 partially secured bond. Additionally, Judge Pilewski suspended Williams’s privilege to drive in New York State.

Williams’s next court date is September 12, 2023, and he is being represented by Luigi Belcastro, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ray Varuolo of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective Joseph Bianco of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit.

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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney with 15 of the 21 new ADA hires.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the appointment of 21 Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

The newly hired ADAs undergo a rigorous months-long training program, which was developed and implemented by District Attorney Tierney. The program entails extensive on-the-job-training including legal training lectures and workshops, mentoring, and second seating more senior assistants in court. The ADAs also receive off-site training provided by the National District Attorneys Association’s National Advocacy Center and the New York State District Attorneys Association’s Prosecutor’s Training Institute.

During their first year, the ADAs will rotate between the District Court Bureau where they will learn how to handle misdemeanor cases at First District Court, the Intake and Discovery Compliance Bureau where they will learn how to assess the sufficiency of court documents, and the East End Bureau, where they will handle misdemeanor and felony cases in the local courts of the five townships and six villages that comprise the east end of Suffolk County.

page1image20346064The 21 newest Assistant District Attorneys joining the Office and the law school that they graduated from are listed below:

  • Alessandro Frusco – Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
  • Billie Phillips – Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
  • Christen Heine – Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
  • Danielle Sciarretta – Seton Hall University School of Law
  • Dominique Emille – Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
  • Emma Behrens – Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
  • Evan Ryan – Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
  • Giovanna DiFilippo – Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University
  • Jack Nicholas – Albany Law School
  • James Hunter – Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
  • James Stavola – Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
  • Kelsey Ferris – Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
  • Marc Rosen – City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law
  • Mary Fideli – Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
  • Nancy Gallagher – Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
  • Navina Daramdas – Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
  • Nicolette Gardini – Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
  • Rachel Kerremans – Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
  • Raymond Leggett – Albany Law School
  • Ryan Ammirato – Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
  • Sean Mullen – Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center

“It is with great pride that I welcome the newest 21 Assistant District Attorneys to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office,” said District Attorney Tierney. “These individuals are highly qualified and are committed to seeking justice and serving the residents of Suffolk County. I have no doubt that they will uphold the values of this Office and of this profession dutifully.”

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