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Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today

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Suffolk County D.A. Raymond Tierney

Kerri Bedrick Was Allegedly Fleeing Law Enforcement While Impaired by Methamphetamine When She Caused a Four-Car Collision that Killed Her Son

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 4 that Kerri Bedrick, 32, of Centerport, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, and other related charges, for allegedly causing a multi-vehicle crash that killed her son, who was a passenger in the back seat of the vehicle she drove in the wrong direction of the Southern State Parkway while allegedly impaired by methamphetamine.

“The charges returned by the grand jury reflect the severe nature of the alleged offenses. The loss of life in this incident, particularly that of a young child, is heartbreaking,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We are committed to seeking justice not only for the child but also for those whose lives were affected and disrupted by this heinous act.”

According to court documents and the investigation, on August 22, 2024, at approximately 2:15 a.m., a Suffolk County deputy sheriff was patrolling the eastbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway when he observed Bedrick driving westbound at a high rate of speed in a 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse on the eastbound lanes of the parkway.

When he spotted Bedrick driving the wrong way, the deputy sheriff made a U-turn, activated his lights and sirens and attempted to stop Bedrick’s car as she continued to drive in the direction of oncoming traffic. Bedrick allegedly accelerated and drove around the deputy’s vehicle as he attempted to guide her car safely off the road. The deputy sheriff continued to travel behind Bedrick at a safe distance for more than five miles, as she allegedly reached speeds of approximately 100 miles per hour. Bedrick’s actions caused multiple vehicles traveling eastbound to avoid being struck by veering out of the way of her oncoming car. For safety reasons, the deputy sheriff had to enter the westbound lanes of travel in order to maintain sight of Bedrick’s vehicle while she continued to drive the wrong way on the eastbound lanes of the parkway.

Shortly afterwards, just east of Exit 42N, Bedrick struck multiple vehicles. The crash ended with Bedrick striking a Mercedes GLS SUV head-on. The force of the impact caused catastrophic damage to both cars and ejected a large field of debris across the roadway. The engine of Bedrick’s vehicle was launched into the woods.

When the deputy sheriff who had been following Bedrick and New York State Police troopers approached her vehicle, they observed an unconscious nine-year old child in the backseat passenger seat. The child was removed from the vehicle and attempts to provide life saving measures were taken. The child was later taken to South Shore Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Two other motorists involved in the collision were treated at local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

Multiple pills were recovered from the defendant’s vehicle in a prescription bottle with the name peeled off. The defendant was later taken to the hospital, determined to be impaired by the use of a drug, and placed under arrest. A review of Bedrick’s driving history revealed that she had 56 suspensions on 8 separate dates.

On September 4, 2024, Bedrick was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for the following charges contained in the indictment:

  •   Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A felonies;
  •   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 First Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
  •   One count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Unlawful Feeling a Police Officer in the First Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Reckless Endangerment in First Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child, a Class E felony;
  •   One count of Driving While Ability Impaired by a Drug, an unclassified misdemeanor;
  •   Two counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors;
  •   One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class

    A misdemeanor;

  •   One count of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Second Degree

    an unclassified misdemeanor;

  •   One count of Reckless Driving, an unclassified misdemeanor;
  •   One count of Operating a Motor Vehicle without a License, a traffic infraction;
  •   One count of Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Inspection Certificate, a traffic

    infraction;

  •   One count of Operating a Motor Vehicle without Insurance, a traffic infraction; and
  •   One count of Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, a traffic infraction.

Justice Horowitz ordered Bedrick to be remanded without bail and that her license be suspended during the pendecy of the case.

Bedrick is due back in court on October 22, 2024, and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count. She is being represented by Scott Zerner, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James McCormack of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Investigator Kevin Doyle of the New York State Police.

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

Nashawn Legros Allegedly Shot the Victim Twice at Close Range in the Parking Lot

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 30 that Nashawn Legros, 24, of Wyandanch, was indicted for attempted murder, assault, and other related charges, for allegedly shooting a male twice in the parking lot of Jake’s 58 Casino in Islandia, causing the victim serious physical injuries.

“This defendant’s alleged crimes not only threatened the victim’s life, but also the lives of everyone else in the casino parking lot at the time. That is unacceptable,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office is committed to combatting violent crime in Suffolk County. We will continue to hold those who commit violence accountable for their actions.”

According to the investigation, on May 31, 2024, at approximately 10:16 p.m., Legros was seated in a vehicle parked in the Jake’s 58 Casino parking lot when he observed the victim walking toward the casino entrance. Legros allegedly exited the vehicle, quickly approached the victim, and shot him in the chest and in the stomach. The victim made it inside of the casino before collapsing and received emergency care from casino staff and civilians before being transported to the hospital for emergency surgery. The victim survived the shooting but suffered serious injuries.

Immediately after Legros allegedly shot the victim, he re-entered the vehicle and fled the casino parking lot. Legros then allegedly discarded the vehicle, which he was not authorized to use, in the Central Islip area in the hours following the shooting.

On August 29, 2024, Legros was apprehended in Riverhead with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service and the Suffolk County Police Department’s Narcotics Section.

On August 30, 2024, Legros was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro, for the following charges:

  •   One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   One count of Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies; and
  •   One count of Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle in the First Degree, a Class D felony.

    Justice Ambro ordered Legros held on $1,000,000 cash, $2,000,000 bond, or $10,000,000 partially secured bond, during the pendency of the case. Legros is due back in court on September 6, 2024, and he is being represented by the Legal Aid Society.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Melisa Bliss of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Christopher Alberto of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth Squad and members of the United States Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Taskforce.

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Douglas Valente Pleaded Guilty to Three Counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Douglas Valente, 57, of Florida, the former principal attorney at the Valente Law Group based in Stony Brook, was sentenced Aug. 22 to one and one-third to four years in prison for stealing more than $800,000 from three former clients by taking their money from his escrow account.

“An attorney’s duty is to protect their clients’ interests, not exploit them for personal gain,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We will not tolerate crime committed with a law degree any more than we would when committed by violence or deception. This office remains committed to vigorously prosecuting any individual who abuses their position of trust, regardless of their status or profession.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, from April 14, 2020, to May 31, 2020, Valente stole proceeds from the sale of his elderly client’s home in the amount $181,201. The proceeds of the sale were put into Valente’s escrow account. Valente was required to send half of the proceeds to his client and the other half was to be sent to her matrimonial attorney to be held in escrow until her divorce was finalized.

Although Valente did send half of the proceeds to his client, he failed to send the remaining half of the proceeds to her matrimonial attorney. As a result, when his client’s divorce was finalized, she was unable to obtain the remaining proceeds from the sale of her home.

Additionally, from September 28, 2020, through October 13, 2020, Valente stole $248,027 from Guaranteed Rate Inc., a mortgage lender. Valente represented the mortgage lender as their attorney and settlement agent in a refinance transaction. Guaranteed Rate Inc. wired money to Valente’s escrow account to be dispersed in the transaction. Valente then failed to send a portion of the money of the refinanced mortgage to the prior mortgage company.

Lastly, between May 14, 2021, through September 30, 2022, Valente stole nearly $400,000 from a client who had sold a home during a pending divorce proceeding. Valente was to hold the proceeds of the sale in his escrow account to be dispersed when the divorce was finalized. Instead, Valente used the funds for business and personal expenses.

On May 18, 2022, the New York Grievance Committee for the Tenth Judicial District disbarred Valente, making him ineligible to practice law in New York State.

On December 6, 2023, Valente pleaded guilty to three counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, Class C felonies, before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro.

On August 22, 2024, Justice Ambro sentenced Valente to one and one-third to four years in prison. Justice Ambro also signed Restitution Judgement Orders totaling $826,525 on behalf of Guaranteed Rate Inc. and The Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, who reimbursed two of the victims. Valente was represented by William Keahon, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Donna M. Planty of the Financial Crimes Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Deputy Sheriff Investigator Yvonne Decaro, and Detective Investigator Vincent Neefus of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

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Derrick Clancy

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on June 21 that Derrick Clancy, 43, was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison after pleading guilty in April to burglary, sexual abuse, and other related charges, for breaking into the homes of two elderly women in Mastic Beach and sexually assaulting them.

“Breaking into the homes of elderly women and subjecting them to sexual abuse is utterly reprehensible,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will continue to aggressively pursue justice for our most vulnerable citizens and ensure that those who prey on them face the full consequence of their actions.”

According to the investigation and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, during the early morning hours on October 10, 2023, Clancy broke into a Mastic Beach home where the first victim, a woman over 70 years old, was inside alone. To get inside the home, Clancy cut a hole in a window screen and climbed through the window. Clancy then physically and sexually abused the victim while repeatedly claiming he had a knife. Following the abuse, the victim pressed her medical alert system button for help, and Clancy fled the home. The victim was treated at a local hospital for her injuries.

Clancy’s second attack occurred during the early morning hours of October 17, 2023, when a woman over 70 years old heard a noise coming from a closet inside her home. When the victim looked inside the closet, she saw Clancy coming into her home through a window in the closet. Clancy then physically and sexually abused the victim before he fled. The victim immediately called 911 and was subsequently treated at a local hospital for her injuries.

Clancy was arrested on October 21, 2023, following an investigation conducted members of the Suffolk County Police Department, the United States Marshals Service’s New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Upon his arrest, detectives recovered the mask and knife that Clancy had used during the first burglary.

On April 30, 2024, Clancy pleaded guilty to the following charges before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis:

 Two counts of Burglary in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies;
 Two counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Class D violent felonies;
 Two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Class D violent felonies; and
 Two counts of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, Class A

misdemeanors.

On June 21, 2024, Justice Wilutis sentenced Clancy to 22 years to life in prison. He was represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Tara O’Donnell and Jacob DeLauter of the Major Crime Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detectives Michael Langella and Erik Pedersen of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Seventh Squad.

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

Daphna Zekaria is Also Facing an Indictment for Allegedly Stealing from Two Prior Clients

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on May 15 the second indictment of Daphna Zekaria, 54, of Syosset, who is accused of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree for allegedly stealing $150,000 from a third client. Zekaria was previously arrested and arraigned on a separate indictment in December 2023, for allegedly stealing more than $200,000 from two other clients.

“Attorneys occupy unique positions of trust within our community,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will not tolerate attorneys abusing that trust to unlawfully enrich themselves at the expense of others.”

Daphna Zekaria

According to the second indictment, in August 2021, Zekaria, a partner at the Huntington law firm of Sokolski and Zekaria, P.C., was allegedly hired to represent a woman in her divorce and, later, for the sale of her marital home. Between December 29, 2021, and March 4, 2022, Zekaria allegedly received approximately $150,000, which were the proceeds of the sale of her client’s home. Zekaria was to hold the funds in her escrow account to be dispersed when the client’s divorce was finalized. Instead, Zekaria allegedly used the funds for personal and business expenses.

In the first indictment, in December 2021, Zekaria was hired by a New York State Lottery winner, and allegedly made promises to hold a portion of her client’s money in the firm’s escrow account and invest an additional portion on his behalf. Instead of holding the money or investing it, Zekaria allegedly did neither, instead making large transfers of money to other individuals which she would not have been able to, had her client’s funds not been deposited into her account. Zekaria collected a total of $230,000 from the victim in three separate transactions.

Additionally, in March 2023, Zekaria was retained by an elderly Manhattan woman to assist her in contesting eviction proceedings. Zekaria allegedly took $17,500 from the victim to represent her but performed no legal work on her behalf. After the victim requested her money back 13 days after providing the payment, Zekaria had allegedly spent the victim’s money on LIPA payments and credit card bills.

On May 14, 2024, Zekaria was arraigned on the new indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro, for one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony. Zekaria was released on her own recognizance during the pendency of the case because her charge is considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for bail and judges cannot set bail. She had previously surrendered her passport at her arraignment on the first indictment. Zekaria is due back in court on June 12, 2024, and she is being represented by Brian J. Griffin, Esq.

If you believe you have been victimized by Daphna Zekaria, please call the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at (631) 853-4626.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Katharine D’Aquila of the Public Corruption Bureau.

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Carlos Orellana Mata

Carlos Orellana Mata was Intoxicated When He Crashed into Back of a Tractor- Trailer, Killing His Passenger

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on May 8 that Carlos Orellana Mata, 36, of East Northport, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Vehicular Homicide after driving while being intoxicated and speeding into the back of a tractor- trailer, killing his passenger, 22-year-old Lenel Umana Guitierrez Lopez, of East Northport.

“This defendant was operating a vehicle while being twice the legal limit of drinking and in the process, claimed the life of yet another young Suffolk County victim,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We see this far too often where people are losing their lives through the carelessness of others on the roadways and aggrieved families are left without a loved one because of someone else’s lapse in judgement. This has to stop.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on March 18, 2023, at approximately 12:17 a.m., Orellana Mata was driving a 2015 Infiniti QX60 SUV eastbound on Jericho Turnpike in Elwood when he crashed into the rear of a tractor trailer, killing Guitierrez Lopez upon impact. When Police officers arrived, they observed Orellana Mata still in the driver’s seat of the vehicle with slurred speech and bloodshot glassy eyes. Orellana Mata was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he consented to toxicology testing which subsequently revealed a .15% blood alcohol concentration.

A search warrant was also obtained to seize blood taken earlier by hospital staff upon the defendant’s admittance to the hospital, which revealed a .20% blood alcohol concentration. A search warrant executed on the defendant’s car revealed that he was traveling over 80 mph prior to the collision.

On May 8, 2024, Orellana Mata pleaded guilty before County Court Judge Stephen L. Braslow for the charges of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a Class B felony, Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, and Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, an unclassified misdemeanor. Orellana Mata is due back in court for sentencing on August 7, 2024, and faces three to nine years in prison. He is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ray Varuolo of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Suffolk County Police Department Detective Sean McQuaid of the Major Case Unit.

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Photo from Suffolk County District Attorney's office
Photo from Suffolk County District Attorney's office
Photo from Suffolk County District Attorney's office
Photo from Suffolk County District Attorney's office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Dec. 6 that Terence Wolffe, 41, of Mastic, was arrested for alleged felony criminal mischief and related charges for intentionally damaging parkland in the undeveloped wilderness of Walter S. Commerdinger Jr. County Park on Edgewood Avenue in Nesconset.

“The destruction of county parklands is an affront to our quality of life in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We will never stand by and allow Suffolk’s beautiful and unique ecosystem to be compromised. I commend our county’s Park Rangers for their diligence in this case and look forward to further strengthening the working partnership between our offices.”

“The investigation by Rangers assigned to the Targeted Response Unit led to their apprehension and arrest of the defendant,” said Chief Park Ranger Steve Laton. “The Ranger’s actions coupled with D.A. Tierney’s tough stance on environmental crimes prevented further destruction of environmentally sensitive county parkland.” According to the investigation, over a prolonged period of time until his capture, Wolffe would travel 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 allegedly 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 would then pile 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 defendant allegedly dug so deep in certain spots that his actions redirected water flow from nearby wetlands into the cleared zone.

Preliminary environmental estimates place the replacement value of the felled trees and cleared plants at approximately $20,000. This number does not incorporate restoration of the parkland’s natural grade; nor does it incorporate the extensive labor and equipment costs for remediation.

Wolffe was arrested on December 5, 2023. On December 6, 2023, Wolffe was arraigned by Acting County Court Judge the Honorable James McDonough, for the crime of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, a Class D felony, and multiple related Environmental Conservation Law and Suffolk County Code violations. Under current New York State law, the offenses charged are not considered bail eligible, so the defendant was released on his own recognizance. Wolffe is due back in court on December 11, 2023.

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.

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