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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney

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

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Joseph Hill, 40, of Moriches, and Stephanie Demola, 34, of Moriches, were indicted for their alleged roles in a series of bank robberies in Suffolk County over a three-day span.

“Over the course of 72 hours, these defendants allegedly went on a bank robbery crime spree, striking three Suffolk County banks. Not only did they threaten the bank employees, but in one instance, the defendants even used what appeared to be a bomb,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I am committed to vigorously prosecuting those who seek to terrorize Suffolk County residents and businesses.

According to the investigation, between July 10, 2023, and July 13, 2023, Hill and Demola, who  are married, are alleged to have robbed three separate banks throughout Suffolk County – a Chase  Bank in Yaphank and a TD Bank in Lake Ronkonkoma on July 10, 2023, and a Webster Bank in  Patchogue on July 13, 2023. On each of the occasions, the defendants drove to the bank on a  motorcycle. Demola then allegedly entered the bank while Hill waited outside on the motorcycle.  On two occasions, Demola handed the bank teller a threatening note demanding money. On the  third occasion, Demola showed the bank teller what appeared to be a bomb. 

After each robbery, Demola and Hill allegedly fled on the motorcycle at speeds in excess of 150  mph. In total, Hill and Demola are alleged to have stolen $3,500 from the banks.  

After interviewing numerous witnesses and collecting surveillance videos from the incident  locations, members of the Suffolk County Police Department arrested Hill and Demola on July 17,  2023.  

On July 28, 2023, Hill was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the  Honorable Richard I. Horowitz, for the following alleged charges:  

∙ Two counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies;  ∙ One count of Attempted Robbery in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;  ∙ One count of Placing a False Bomb or Hazardous Substance in the Second Degree, a Class  E violent felony; and  

∙ One count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony.  

Justice Horowitz ordered Hill to be held on $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, or $750,000 partially  secured bond during the pendency of the case. Hill is due back in court on August 23, 2023, and  is being represented by Scott Zerner, Esq.  

On July 31, 2023, Demola was also arraigned on the indictment before Justice Horowitz for the  following alleged charges:  

∙ Two counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies;  ∙ One count of Attempted Robbery in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;  ∙ One count of Placing a False Bomb or Hazardous Substance in the Second Degree, a Class  E violent felony; and  

∙ One count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony.  

Justice Horowitz ordered Demola to be held on $75,000 cash, $150,000 bond, or $300,000 partially  secured bond during the pendency of the case. Demola is due back in court on August 25, 2023,  and is being represented by Michael Blakey, Esq. 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kieran R. Rogers of the Major Crime  Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detectives Michael Stella, Genevieve Vesely, Joseph  Bianco, and Stephen Jacobs of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit. 



 

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Stavros Tsakonis

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Stavros Tsakonis, 61, of Shirley, pleaded guilty to Identity Theft, Grand Larceny, and other related charges, after stealing the identity of his deceased brother, U.S. Army and Vietnam War veteran Chris Tsakonis, in order to continue working while still receiving disability benefits.

“Greed led this defendant to exploit the death of his brother, so that he could work under his brother’s name and simultaneously claim a full disability under his own name,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Instead of respecting his brother’s memory, this defendant used the opportunity to start a plumbing business and purchase vehicles, while lining his own pockets with fraudulently obtained taxpayer funds for a supposed disability.”

“This 8-month-long investigation uncovered this scam artist’s scheme to work under the identity of his deceased veteran brother while obtaining over $160,000 in fraudulent disability benefits,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “I applaud the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office Investigators; District Attorney’s Office and all of our law enforcement partners for their collaboration to expose this man’s abuse of a system meant to help those in need.”

page1image32752240According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, from February 2015 to January 2023, Stavros Tsakonis stole more than $160,000 in disability benefits by falsely claiming to the U.S. Social Security Administration that he was disabled and could not work. However, during this time, the defendant continued working and earning income as a plumber while using the personal identifying information of his deceased brother, Chris Tsakonis.

On January 25, 2023, Stavros Tsakonis was observed entering the Social Security Administration’s office in Patchogue using the assistance of a walker. After completing a form claiming that he had not worked since February 1989 and re-affirming he was disabled, the defendant was surveilled while walking unaided, without the assistance of any person or device.

A review of the defendant’s financial records, combined with multiple law enforcement surveillances, revealed that he was gainfully employed as a plumber and has earned income as far back as February 2015, under the name of Chris Tsakonis, who passed away in 2012.

Tsakonis further admitted to fraudulently filing paperwork with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles in order to obtain a driver’s license and register several vehicles in the name of “Chris Tsakonis.” He also admitted to filing fraudulent documentation with the Suffolk County of Consumer Affairs office to apply for and renew a Master Plumbing License in his brother’s name, as well as identifying himself as Chris Tsakonis during a traffic stop conducted by a member of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.

On July 26, 2023, Tsakonis pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro, to the following charges:

  •   One count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   Twelve counts of Identity Theft in the First Degree, Class D felonies;
  •   Eight counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, Class D felonies;
  •   Three counts of Identity Theft in the Second Degree, Class E felonies;
  •   Three counts of Falsifying a Business Record in the First Degree, Class E felonies;
  •   Two counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, Class E felonies; and
  •   One count of Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

    Tsakonis is due back in court on October 3, 2023, and is expected to be sentenced to six months in jail followed by five years of probation. As required by the conditions of his plea, Tsakonis is also required to pay $169, 333 in restitution to the U.S. Social Security Administration. He is being represented by Michael Brown, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tara Fairgrieve of the Financial Crime Bureau, with investigative assistance from members of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, the Suffolk County Police Department, the United States Social Security Administration, the Office of Inspector General, and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

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Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Wilfredo Figueroa, 29, of Ridge, pleaded guilty to Robbery in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, after shooting a 27-year-old male in the face during a robbery.

“This defendant was so driven by greed that he brazenly shot the victim during this robbery striking him in the face, with the bullet lodging in his neck and requiring a medically induced coma. Thankfully, the victim survived this senseless and vicious attack,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Make no mistake, we will use every resource possible to find perpetrators of violence and hold them accountable for their crimes.”

According to the investigation and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, during the early morning hours of June 22, 2022, Figueroa shot a 27-year-old male in the face while robbing him of his personal belongings. After the robbery, Figueroa immediately fled the scene and went back to his residence. The victim was transported to a local hospital, but due to the severity of his injuries, he was placed in a medically induced coma.

Later that day, police pulled over Figueroa for a traffic violation, and found him in possession of two illegal loaded handguns and two high-capacity magazines. Additionally, law enforcement recovered items belonging to the 27-year-old victim inside Figueroa’s vehicle, including the victim’s identification, car keys, cellphone, and several credit cards. The defendant was then placed under arrest.

After the victim awoke from his coma, a bullet fragment that was lodged in his neck was removed and given to the Suffolk County Police Department. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted a ballistics report, which concluded that the bullet fragment recovered from the victim’s neck was fired from one of the loaded handguns recovered from Figueroa’s vehicle.

On July 25, 2023, Figueroa pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable John B. Collins, to Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony. He is due back in court on September 5, 2023, where he is expected to be sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of post- release supervision. Figueroa is being represented by Steve Politi, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Patrick E. Fedun of the Major Crime Bureau, with investigative assistance from Suffolk County Police Detectives Brian Whitehead and Gregory Marino of the Sixth Precinct.

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Claudia Garcia Vargas

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Claudia Garcia Vargas, 54, of Queens, was convicted after a jury found her guilty of Assault in the Second Degree after she slashed her boyfriend in the neck following a dispute in July 2022.

“Domestic violence of any kind is unacceptable,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thankfully, the victim survived the defendant’s horrific attack, and can hopefully feel safe knowing that the defendant will serve time in jail for her crimes.”

The evidence at trial established that on July 23, 2022, Garcia Vargas picked up her boyfriend from his job in Queens. Garcia Vargas, who had been dating the victim for approximately seven years, got into an argument with him after he indicated that he wanted to end their relationship.

Instead of dropping the victim off at his home, Garcia Vargas continued to drive eastbound on the Long Island Expressway toward Riverhead over the victim’s objection. Garcia Vargas then pulled over onto the side of the road and accusing the victim of cheating on her. Garcia Vargas then took out what the victim described as a long sharp object, and, while telling the victim “This is where you die,” slashed him on the side of his neck.

The victim sustained a deep laceration on his neck but was able to get out of the car and run into the surrounding woods to look for help. As the victim ran through the woods, Garcia Vargas attempted to find him with a flashlight, and was repeatedly calling for him to come back.

The victim ran to a nearby home, and the homeowners called 911 on his behalf. He was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries. Garcia Vargas was subsequently arrested in Queens.

On July 25, Garcia Vargas was found guilty after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable John B. Collins, of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony.

Garcia Vargas is due back in court on August 28 for sentencing. She is being represented by the Legal Aid Society.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Zachary Kelly of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective Richard Freeborn of the Riverhead Police Department.

 

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Alejandro Vargas-Diaz
Alejandro Vargas-Diaz Hid in Florida for Three Years After He Shot Albert Luis Rodriguez-Lopez at a Port Jefferson Pool Hall in 2018

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on July 24 that Alejandro Vargas-Diaz, 41, of Port Jefferson, pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges for the 2018 fatal shooting of 27-year-old Albert Luis Rodriguez-Lopez, a father of three and resident of Selden.

“For five years, the relatives and loved ones of Mr. Rodriguez-Lopez have waited for justice for this senseless murder. Today, with his admission of guilt, justice has been served,” said District Attorney Tierney. “While the defendant may have prolonged his freedom by hiding out in another state, it was only a matter of time before the law caught up with him and now, he is being held to account for his actions.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s statements during his guilty plea allocution, on July 22, 2018, Vargas-Diaz and the victim got into an argument inside a pool hall in Port Jefferson. During the argument, the victim punched Vargas-Diaz in the face, knocking him to the ground. A short time later, Vargas-Diaz ambushed the victim inside the pool hall, and shot the victim in the back, neck, and shoulder. The victim died at the scene. Vargas-Diaz immediately fled and absconded from New York state.

One month after the murder, members of Suffolk County Police Department found the murder weapon, a 9 mm pistol, hidden in a tree at the Setauket Port Jefferson Greenway Trail.

On June 18, 2021, nearly three years after the fatal shooting, Vargas-Diaz was arrested by members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in Florida after a tip to crime stoppers. Vargas-Diaz was extradited back to Suffolk County on November 11, 2021, to be arraigned on the charges related to the murder.

On July 24,  Vargas-Diaz pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Steven A. Pilewski, to Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony.

Vargas-Diaz is due back in court on September 13, 2023 for sentencing, and is expected to be sentenced to 23 years to life in prison. He is being represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau and Carlos J. Benitez II of the Major Crime Bureau, with investigative assistance from the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad and Sergeant Norberto Flores of the Internal Affairs Unit.

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

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney has announced that Steven Marksberry, 50, of Lake Grove, an NYPD Police Officer, was indicted for possessing child pornography, after allegedly screenshotting and saving child sexual abuse material to his cellular phone.

“Not only is this defendant alleged to have saved a large quantity of child sexual abuse material to his phone, but he is alleged to have done so while he was a sworn police officer. No one is above the law,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The safety of our children is, and always will be, of the utmost priority for my office.”

According to the investigation, the Suffolk County Police Department received an Internet Crimes Against Children tip notifying them that Marksberry had allegedly uploaded child sexual abuse images to his iCloud storage account. A search warrant of Marksberry’s account and cellular phone were executed, and allegedly revealed numerous images depicting sexual abuse of female children between the ages of four and 12 years old.

On July 6, 2023, Marksberry was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro for 50 counts of Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, Class D felonies, and 69 counts of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, Class E felonies.

Justice Ambro ordered Marksberry held on $100,000 cash, $250,000 bond, or $2.5 million partially secured bond. If convicted of the top count, Marksberry faces up to 20 years in prison. Marksberry is due back in court on August 7, 2023, and he is being represented by Scott Zerner Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Dana Castaldo of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective Andrew Mendes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Digital Forensics 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 July 3 that Philip Walker, 56, of Mastic, was arrested and charged with Murder in the Second Degree for allegedly stabbing and killing his housemate, Jimmy Vaughn, 63.

“This defendant allegedly killed Jimmy Vaughn in cold blood,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I thank the prosecutors and the Suffolk County Homicide Squad for their swift investigation and apprehension of this defendant, who will now be brought to justice.”

According to the police investigation, on June 30 at approximately 5:00 p.m., a witness called 911 to report that Walker had allegedly stabbed Vaughn inside a room at the Shirley Motel on Montauk Highway in Mastic. Walker and Vaughn were both living in a group home at the Shirley Motel at the time of the incident.

When paramedics arrived, Vaughn was found outside of the room, bleeding from the left side of his chest and abdomen. Vaughn was taken to Long Island Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

page1image29910576Video surveillance recovered from the scene allegedly showed Walker entering and leaving from the motel room where Vaughn was stabbed.

Walker allegedly fled from the motel after the incident, but was arrested on July 2 at a family member’s home in North Amityville.

On July 3, Walker was arraigned for Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony, and remanded without bail during the pendency of the case. He is due back in court on July 7.

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Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on June 30 that David Cruz, 32, of Medford, was sentenced to 24 years in prison followed by five  years of post-release supervision after being convicted by a jury last month of Manslaughter in the  First Degree, for the 2022 beating death of Jake Scott, 32, of Centereach.  

“We are satisfied that justice was served, and that this defendant was held accountable for his  actions by the trial jury and now the court,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This lengthy prison  sentence will allow the defendant to reflect on the fact that because he chose to violently rob Jake Scott of his life, he will now spend significant time behind bars. While no sentence can bring Mr. Scott back to his friends and family, we hope that this sentence brings some measure of closure.”  

The evidence at trial established that on August 21, 2022, Cruz was working as a bouncer at  Tailgaters Bar in Holbrook when he got into a verbal dispute with Scott. According to witness  testimony, Scott called Cruz a “weirdo” earlier in the evening, which may have been the catalyst  for the argument.  

At approximately 2:45 a.m., Cruz went outside of the bar and engaged in a further verbal exchange  with Scott. During that exchange, Cruz repeatedly attempted to draw Scott out of view of the bar’s  surveillance camera. 

After failing to lure Scott out of the camera’s view, Cruz walked to his vehicle and returned to the  front area of the bar a short time later. Once there, Cruz dragged a chair over to the bar’s  surveillance camera, stood on the chair, took off his shirt, and then covered the security camera.  

Apparently unaware that a security camera from a nearby business was filming, Cruz, who stands  6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 270 pounds, immediately began to assault Scott after he covered the bar’s security camera. The video footage depicted Cruz delivering his first punch while Scott was starting to get up from his seat as Cruz came towards him. The punch caused Scott to fall onto the cement sidewalk. Cruz then grabbed a motionless Scott by his shirt, pulled him up and yelled  at him to get up. When Scott did not respond, Cruz dropped him back to the ground and delivered  a final blow to Scott’s head before fleeing the scene. Cruz surrendered to police three days later, on August 24, 2022.  

Scott was taken to Stony Brook Hospital where he was placed into a medically induced coma.  While at the hospital, doctors determined Scott suffered a brain bleed, a complete skull fracture, and a traumatic brain injury. Scott remained in the hospital for 11 days before he succumbed to his  injuries and passed away.  

On April 24, 2023, Cruz was found guilty after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice,  the Honorable John B. Collins, for the crime of Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class B violent  felony. On June 30, Judge Collins sentenced Cruz to 24 years in prison, followed by five  years of post-release supervision. Cruz was represented by Javier Solano, Esq.  

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Scott Romano and Elizabeth Creighton  of the Major Crime Bureau, with investigative assistance from Suffolk County Police Department  Detectives Richard Jones of the Homicide Squad and Matthew Messina of the Fifth Squad. 



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

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on May 18 that QHAMEL DICKERSON, 28, of Huntington Station, and RASHIED SMITH, 41,  of Central Islip, were both sentenced for selling fentanyl that resulted in two unrelated overdose  deaths of Suffolk County residents.  

Quamel Dickerson

 

“The fentanyl epidemic has claimed the lives of two more innocent women, and the unfortunate  reality is that this problem will continue to worsen without action,” said District Attorney Tierney.  “The dangers of fentanyl are not breaking news anymore. Not in Suffolk County, not in Albany,  and not to the drug dealers who continue to push this poison into our communities. Cheap  manufacturing and lethally high potency have exposed the legislative gaps that hinder law  enforcement’s ability to effectively manage the situation. That is why I will continue to push for a  death by dealer statute. We owe it to the victims and their families to hold all dealers of fentanyl  dealers accountable for the deaths they cause.”  

According to court documents and DICKERSON’s admission during his guilty plea allocution, on  July 5, 2022, the Suffolk County Police Department responded to East Northport for a fatal drug  overdose of a 23-year-old female. 

The victim’s cell phone, found at the scene, contained text messages between the victim and  DICKERSON in which DICKERSON agreed to sell the victim illicit pills. On July 4, 2022,  DICKERSON met with the victim and sold her counterfeit pills that bore the color, shape, and  markings of oxycodone, but contained fentanyl instead.  

In August 2022, DICKERSON used the same cell phone to communicate with an undercover  detective from the Suffolk County Police Department, where DICKERSON agreed to sell the  undercover detective the same type of pills he sold to the overdose victim. Thereafter, at a location  in Suffolk County, DICKERSON met with the undercover detective and sold them counterfeit  oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. DICKERSON was arrested on September 1, 2022.  

Rashied Smith
Rashied Smith

On March 10, 2023, DICKERSON pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the  Honorable Anthony S. Senft, Jr., to two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the  Third Degree, a Class B felony. DICKERSON faced up to nine years in prison at sentencing. On  April 18, 2023, Judge Senft sentenced DICKERSON to five years in prison followed by two years  of post-release supervision. The District Attorney’s Office had requested an eight-year prison  sentence. DICKERSON was represented by Scott Zerner, Esq.  

In a separate case, on the morning of June 23, 2022, the Suffolk County Police Department  responded to a home in Mastic and discovered a 43-year-old woman had fatally overdosed. The  police recovered the victim’s cell phone which contained text messages between her and SMITH  from the night before her death. In those text message conversations, SMITH agreed to sell the  victim crack cocaine and fentanyl. Police learned that SMITH had met the victim in Central Islip  where he sold her the drugs.  

Within 48 hours of the victim’s death, SMITH sold crack cocaine to an undercover detective in  the Suffolk County Police Department. A couple of days later, Smith sold crack cocaine and  fentanyl to the undercover detective. A search warrant was executed at SMITH’s residence where  police found the cell phone he used to negotiate the sales of crack cocaine and fentanyl with both  the victim and the undercover detective. 

Police also found an illegal loaded Taurus semi-automatic firearm, crack cocaine, and a digital  scale used for weighing narcotics for sale. SMITH was arrested on June 29, 2022.  

On April 7, 2023, SMITH pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard  Ambro, to two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B  felony, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent  felony. SMITH faced up to 12 years in prison at sentencing.  

On May 18, 2023, Judge Ambro sentenced SMITH to seven years in prison followed by five years  of post-release supervision. The District Attorney’s Office had requested a 10-year prison  sentence. SMITH was represented by Lonnie Hart, Jr., Esq.  

Prior to the conviction in this case, SMITH had multiple prior convictions related to drug  possession, including two separate convictions for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance  in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony, in both 2016 and 2019, as well as a felony conviction for  Violating the Sex Offender Registry Requirement as a Second Offense in 2013.  

 



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