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Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney

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

Oliver Schor and Christopher Fernandez Allegedly Shot and Killed Michael Hartmann

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 9 that Oliver Schor, 22, and Christopher Fernandez, 28, both of Sound Beach, were indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, and related charges, for allegedly fatally shooting Michael Hartmann, 49, at his Bohemia home.

“This case involves the heartbreaking loss of Michael Hartmann, a husband, father and beloved family man, who was brutally killed at his own home,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We are committed to seeking justice for him. Our condolences go out to the Hartmann family during this difficult time.”

According to the investigation, on November 2, 2022, Fernandez and Schor allegedly descended upon the victim’s home in Bohemia armed with rifles. The defendants were about to enter the residence through the rear back door when they encountered the victim. Schor allegedly opened fire and killed the victim before both defendants fled the area in Schor’s mother’s car. Based upon law enforcement’s subsequent investigation, it is believed that this is a case of mistaken identity.

Fernandez also allegedly robbed a gas station employee at an Exxon Mobil Gas Station in Manorville shortly before the murder.

Schor was indicted for the following charges:

  •   One count of Murder in the First Degree, a Class A felony;
  •   Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A felonies;
  •   One count of Attempted Burglary in the First Degree, a Class B felony;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;and
  •   One count of Criminal Use of a Firearm in the Second Degree, a Class C felony.Fernandez was indicted for the following charges:
  •   One count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony;
  •   One count of Attempted Burglary in the First Degree, a Class B felony;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   One count of Criminal Use of a Firearm in the Second Degree, a Class C felony; and
  •   One count of Robbery in the Third Degree, a Class D felony.On August 9, 2024, both defendants were arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Justice Pilewski ordered both defendants be remanded during the pendency of the case.

    Schor is due back in court on September 16, 2024, and faces life in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Jason Bassett, Esq.

    Fernandez is due back in court on September 11, 2024, and faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Christopher Cassar, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Schroeder of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Scott Romano of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Frankie Sierra of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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

The Defendants Allegedly Used Others’ Identities to Open Accounts and Make Purchases

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced the arrests of ANANDA GABRIEL, AAMEER WAIGHT, ABILIO SANCHEZ, ANTHONY COLON, RASHAD PROVOST and JONATHAN LYNCE, who are accused of grand larceny, identity theft, and other related charges, for their roles in an identity theft scheme at Lowe’s stores. The scheme allegedly involved multiple Lowe’s credit card accounts being opened in the names of multiple victims, which were used to make fraudulent purchases of gift cards totaling over $25,000 from various Lowe’s store locations throughout Suffolk County.

“These arrests allege a pattern of identity theft that represents a significant breach of personal security for victims across the United States,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Charges of identity theft often intersect with retail theft, as stolen identities are often used to make fraudulent purchases, potentially leading to substantial losses for merchants as well as headaches for consumers.”

According to the investigation, between October 2023 and February 2024, the defendants allegedly opened Lowe’s credit card accounts online using the names and identities of multiple individuals who reside all over the United States, without their knowledge or consent.

The defendants then allegedly used those accounts to purchase more than $25,000 worth of gift cards from various Lowe’s store locations throughout New York. At least five Suffolk County Lowe’s store locations were targeted, including Commack, Bay Shore, Farmingdale, Medford and Stony Brook.

Additionally, in November 2023, GABRIEL allegedly rented an apartment in Patchogue using the identity of another Suffolk County resident without their consent or awareness. To date, GABRIEL has allegedly not paid any rent for that apartment.

On August 6, 2024, all six defendants were arrested by members of the Suffolk County Police Department.

GABRIEL, 23, of Patchogue, was charged with:

  •   One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   Five counts of Identity Theft in the First Degree, Class D felonies;
  •   One count of Identity Theft in the Second Degree, a Class E felony;
  •   Two counts of Identity Theft in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors;
  •   One count of Attempted Petit Larceny, a Class B misdemeanor; and
  •   One count of Attempted Identity Theft in the Third Degree, a Class B misdemeanor.WAIGHT, 22, of Central Islip, was charged with:
  •   One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony; and
  •   One count of Identity Theft in the First Degree, a Class D felony.SANCHEZ, 20, of Huntington Station, was charged with:
  •   One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony; and
  •   One count of Identity Theft in the First Degree, a Class D felony.COLON, 25, of Bay Shore, was charged with:
  •   One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Identity Theft in the First Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Attempted Petit Larceny, a Class B misdemeanor; and
  •   One count of Attempted Identity Theft in the Third Degree, a Class B misdemeanor.PROVOST, 23, of Mastic Beach, was charged with:
  •   One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Identity Theft in the First Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Identity Theft in the Second Degree, a Class E felony; and
  •   One count of Identity Theft in the Third Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.LYNCE, 22, of Central Islip, was charged with:
  •   One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony; and
  •   Two counts of Identity Theft in the First Degree, Class D felonies.On August 6, 2024, the defendants were arraigned on the charges before District Court Judge Steven Weissbard.

    Judge Weissbard ordered GABRIEL released from jail without bail because her charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail. She was placed on supervised release with GPS conditions. GABRIEL is due back in court on August 9, 2024, and she is being represented by Robert Macedonio, Esq.

    Judge Weissbard ordered WAIGHT released from jail without bail because his charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail. WAIGHT is due back in court on August 27, 2024, and he is being represented by Del Atwell, Esq.

    Judge Weissbard ordered SANCHEZ released from jail without bail because his charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail. SANCHEZ is due back in court on August 14, 2024, and he is being represented by Jonathan Manley, Esq.

Judge Weissbard ordered COLON released from jail without bail because his charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail. He was placed on supervised release during the pendency of the case. COLON is due back in court on August 27, 2024, and he is being represented by Oscar Crisafio, Esq.

Judge Weissbard ordered PROVOST released from jail without bail because his charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail. PROVOST is due back in court on August 19, 2024, and he is being represented by Harmon Lutzer, Esq.

Judge Weissbard ordered LYNCE released from jail without bail because his charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail. LYNCE is due back in court on August 19, 2024, and he is being represented by Toni Mari Angeli, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jessica Lightstone of the Financial Crimes Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Dan Pagano of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit, with investigative assistance from the District Attorney’s Gun Crime Reduction Unit and the Suffolk County Police Department’s Third Precinct Anti-Crime Unit and Warrants Squad.

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

Gustavo Hernandez and His Nephews, Walter Ramirez Jeronimo and Wilson Ramirez Jeronimo, Allegedly Kidnapped the Victim in Broad Daylight Before Killing Him

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 2 that Gustavo Hernandez, 38, Walter Ramirez Jeronimo, 19, and Wilson Ramirez Jeronimo, 18, each from Farmingdale, were indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, Kidnapping in the First Degree, and Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree, for their alleged participation in the abduction and murder of Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo, 48, of Amityville.

“The allegations in this indictment are deeply disturbing. The brazen nature of this alleged crime, occurring in a public place during daylight hours, shocks the conscience and undermines our sense of community,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This indictment is our first step in pursuing justice for Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo and his family.”

According to the investigation, on the evening of June 21, 2024, the victim was walking on Broadhollow Road in Farmingdale when he was allegedly spotted by the defendants, who were in a Blue Isuzu Rodeo.

There is no known familial relationship between the victim, Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo, and the defendants.

page1image29118944Video surveillance shows the defendants allegedly exiting the vehicle, attacking the victim, and attempting to drag him toward the Isuzu. Their efforts were thwarted by a passing motorist, allowing the victim to escape to a gas station across the street.

Defendants allegedly in blue Isuzu near the victim walking.

Defendants allegedly attacking the victim and attempting to drag him to the Isuzu.

The defendants allegedly followed the victim to the gas station. Video surveillance showed the Jeronimo brothers covering their faces and then, along with their uncle, allegedly beating the victim, knocking him to the ground, choking him, and violently forcing him into the trunk of the Isuzu.

page2image29252304 page2image29249184page2image29253760 page2image29253968page2image29254176Defendants allegedly in blue Isuzu near the victim walking.

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Defendants allegedly attacking the victim and attempting to drag him to the Isuzu.
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The alleged abduction was caught on video surveillance and occurred at a gas station in broad daylight.

After allegedly forcing the victim into the trunk of the SUV, the defendants drove to Belmont Lake State Park, and then back to Farmingdale where surveillance video captured them allegedly dumping the victim’s body on a residential street.

The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s office noted that the victim suffered numerous injuries including but not limited to asphyxia due to neck compression, severe blunt force trauma of the abdomen, and what appeared to be a stab wound to his upper chest.

page3image29127472 page3image29121856page3image29127264 page3image29128304page3image29128096 page3image29128512page3image29128720 page3image29128928All three defendants allegedly heading towards the victim, with Hernandez in the blue Isuzu.

page3image29129136 page3image29129344
Defendants allegedly beating and choking the victim.page3image29129552

All three defendants were indicted for the following charges:

  •   Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A-I felonies;
  •   One count of Kidnapping in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony; and
  •   One count of Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony.On August 1, 2024, the defendants were each arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis. Justice Wilutis ordered all three defendants be remanded without bail during the pendency of the case.

    The defendants are due back in court on September 10, 2024. Hernandez is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq. Walter Ramirez Jeronimo is being represented by Jonathan Manley, Esq. Wilson Ramirez Jeronimo is being represented by Katherine Fernandez, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Sheetal Shetty and Eric Aboulafia of the Homicide Bureau, with the assistance of Aracelis Buchanan, the SCDA’s Victim Services Coordinator. The investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Repperger of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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Anthony Santiesteban

Anthony Santiesteban was Convicted in June of the Fatal Shooting of Martina Thompson

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 1 that Anthony Santiesteban, 32, of Centereach, was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison, after a jury found him guilty in June of Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges, for fatally shooting Martina Thompson, 33, of East Patchogue, in October 2022.

“This defendant deliberately took the life of Martina Thompson, whose children will now have to live without their mother,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Murder does not just end one life, it devastates families, friends, and entire communities. While no punishment can ever truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, this sentence ensures the defendant will face severe consequences for this grievous act and will no longer pose a danger to the public.”

The evidence at trial established that in the early morning hours of October 29, 2022, surveillance video captured Santiesteban and the victim engaging in a conversation next to Santiesteban’s Jeep Cherokee in a parking lot in Coram. Santiesteban was then seen on video following the victim into a fenced area at the rear of the parking lot. Immediately afterwards, at approximately 1:03 a.m., a gunshot is heard on the video recording, and Santiesteban was captured walking out of the fenced area with a semi-automatic handgun in his hand. Santiesteban then entered his Jeep and left the scene.

At 1:25 a.m., the police found the victim with a gunshot wound to her face, lying in a pool of blood. She was transported to Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue where she was pronounced dead.

On November 2, 2022, police searched Santiesteban’s bedroom pursuant to a search warrant and recovered a loaded and defaced 9 mm handgun. Ballistics testing confirmed the bullet casing found next to the victim’s body came from the gun found in the bedroom.

On June 24, 2024, Santiesteban was convicted of the following charges after a jury trial heard before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft Jr.:

  •   One count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent

    felonies; and

  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D violent

    felony.

    On August 1, 2024, Justice Senft sentenced Santiesteban to 40 years to life in prison. He was represented by Jonathan Manley, Esq. and Peter Mayer, Esq.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Joseph Mallek of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detectives Luis Cabrera and Thomas Henry of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, New York State Senator Dean Murray, and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. have released public safety announcements to remind the public of the dangers of drunk and drugged driving, the importance of staying at the scene of a crash, and the legal and financial ramifications of a criminal arrest.

“We are more than half-way through this year’s ‘100 Deadliest Days of Driving.’ In Suffolk County alone, there have been at least twenty fatalities since Memorial Day weekend, many of which were caused by drunk or drugged drivers. That is almost three lives lost per week, many of which were completely preventable, and despite the prevalence and convenience of ride-shares. These are not crimes that are confined to Long Island. Drunk and drugged drivers threaten the lives of random and innocent roadway users of every age, gender, ethnicity and economic status every single day throughout New York State,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Senator Murray, Sheriff Toulon, and I continue to fight for the safety of all New Yorkers. We urge everyone to remember that any amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is too much when it comes to driving. The legislators up in Albany must pass the ‘Deadly Driving Bill’ to save countless lives and make our roadways safer across New York State.”

“When New York State rushed through legislation to legalize marijuana, it was done so in a way that left many questions unanswered. Who can legally sell it? Who can legally buy it, use it or consume it,” said Senator Murray. “Some of the biggest questions surround the use of marijuana while operating a motor vehicle. There is definitely a need to educate the public and I’m thrilled to team with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol Toulon, Jr., to put these PSA’s out to the public to help with that education process. I also want to thank JVC Broadcasting, Inc.’s President & CEO, John Caracciolo, for his willingness to immediately get these PSA’s up and running on his multiple Long Island radio stations. Everyone working together can truly make a difference.”

“Drunk and drugged driving continues to claim innocent lives on our roads,” said Sheriff Toulon. “Partnering with District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney and New York State Senator Dean Murray, we are committed to raising awareness and pushing for legislative changes to make our roadways safer. Remember, one decision to use a ride-share can prevent a tragedy and save lives.”

“All of us at JVC Broadcasting are committed to work with our elected officials to get this important message out,” said JVC Broadcasting, Inc. President and CEO, John Caracciolo. “We were happy to donate the airtime to make it possible.”

In January 2024, District Attorney Tierney rallied with a bipartisan group of local and state officials, district attorneys, traffic safety advocates, and families and friends of those affected by drunk and drugged driving, and called on lawmakers to pass a bill that would close the loopholes in the drugged driving law. Senate Bill S.3135 and Assembly Bill A.174, also known as the “Deadly Driving Bill”, closes the loopholes. Current New York State law does not allow an individual to be arrested and prosecuted for operating a vehicle while drugged, unless the officer can pinpoint the drug that driver is impaired by, and that drug must be listed Section 3306 of the Public Health Law.

All public safety announcements were recorded and can be found on the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s website. The PSAs will run on all JVC Broadcasting Stations: WPTY Party 105 FM, WRCN LI News Radio 103.9 FM, WJVC My Country 96.1 FM, WBON La Fiesta 98.5 FM, 96.9 FM, 1490 AM, 1580 AM, Big Hits 98.1 FM and Long Island Envivo 1440 AM and 93.3FM.

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Desiree Etheridge

Desiree Etheridge is Expected to be Sentenced to One to Three Years in Prison

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on July 29 that Desiree Etheridge, 50, of North Carolina, and the former facility manager at Eden II in Saint James, pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, for stealing funds from the ATM cards of six residents who entrusted her with their cards for petty cash purposes.

“This case represents a grievous breach of trust. The defendant exploited vulnerable individuals who relied on her for their basic needs and financial management. She took advantage of the COVID-19 shutdown, when these residents were already isolated and at risk, to deplete their accounts,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This guilty plea is a step towards justice for the victims, but it cannot undo the harm caused to these residents who were simply trying to maintain some quality of life during difficult times.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during her guilty plea allocution, from November 2018 to June 2021, Etheridge stole funds from the ATM cards of six residents while she was working as residential manager of Eden II, a residential facility. As facility manager, Etheridge had control and access to the six residents’ bank accounts and debit cards. One of her responsibilities was to withdraw money to place in each residents’ petty cash envelope so they could go on outings to eateries and local stores. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Etheridge depleted the residents’ bank accounts.

On August 12, 2022, Etheridge was arrested after voluntarily surrendering to law enforcement.

On July 29, 2024, Etheridge pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz.

Etheridge is due back in court for sentencing on August 29, 2024, and is expected to be sentenced to one to three years in prison. She is being represented by Jason Russo, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Milito of the Financial Crimes Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective James Castaldo of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth Squad.

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Jose Martinez-Vazquez and Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera

Jose Martinez-Vazquez Fatally Stabbed Benjamin Flores-Mendez While Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera, Served as a Lookout

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on July 25 that Jose Martinez-Vazquez, 25, and Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera, 21, both of Port Jefferson Station, pleaded guilty to their respective roles in the fatal stabbing of Benjamin Flores-Mendez, 39, also from Port Jefferson Station. Martinez-Vazquez pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, for fatally stabbing Flores-Mendez. Diaz-Cabrera pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, for acting as a look out while the stabbing took place.

“These defendants conspired to brutally take the life of Benjamin Flores-Mendez, and then did so in a place where Suffolk County residents should feel safe to walk, hike, or bike,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Violence is never the answer, and we will not rest until anyone committing such wanton acts are brought to justice.”

According to court documents and the defendants’ admissions during their guilty plea allocutions,

on June 17, 2021, Martinez-Vasquez followed the victim into the Port Jefferson Station entrance of the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail. Martinez-Vazquez admitted to fatally stabbing the victim multiple times while Diaz-Cabrera, Martinez-Vazquez’s girlfriend, served as his lookout. The victim was later discovered lying in the entrance of the trail by Good Samaritans.

On March 5, 2023, Suffolk County homicide detectives arrested both defendants.

On April 22, 2024, Diaz-Cabrera pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis. Diaz-Cabrera is due back in court for sentencing on August 29, 2024. She is being represented by Luigi Belcastro, Esq.

On July 25, 2024, Martinez-Vazquez pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony, before Justice Wilutis. Martinez-Vazquez is due back in court for sentencing on August 28, 2024. He is being represented by John Halverson, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Tara Laterza of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective James Hughes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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Candelario Cordova

Candelario Cordova Pleaded Guilty in May to Fatally Stabbing Rogue Cisneros and to the Attempted Murder of the Victim’s Wife

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on July 24 that Candelario Cordova, 54, of Huntington Station, was sentenced to 30 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty in May to manslaughter and attempted murder for fatally stabbing 58-year-old Roque Cisneros and then stabbing the victim’s wife when she tried to intervene.

“Today’s sentencing of 30 years in prison for the defendant reflects the severity of his heinous actions. By fatally stabbing Mr. Cisneros and then attempting to take the life of the victim’s wife who bravely tried to intervene, he demonstrated a complete disregard for human life and the safety of our community,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This sentence sends our ongoing and clear message that such violent, reprehensible behavior will not be tolerated.”

According to the investigation and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on February 16, 2023, Cordova and Cisneros, who were friends and co-workers, were both sitting in the defendant’s SUV that was parked in front of Cisneros’ home.

Cisneros’ wife, who was looking out of her kitchen window, saw Cordova seated in the driver’s seat and trying to get Cisneros out of the vehicle. The defendant then suddenly drove away with Cisneros still in the SUV, so Cisneros’ wife jumped into her car and followed them. Cordova stopped his SUV around the corner on Oakwood Road, jumped out, opened the trunk, and retrieved a long knife. He then opened the passenger side of the SUV and began stabbing Cisneros repeatedly in the neck and body. Cisneros’ wife attempted to stop the attack by grabbing Cordova, who then began slashing and stabbing her. Several passing motorists stopped and intervened, ultimately subduing Cordova until members of the Suffolk County Police Department arrived. The knife used during the attack was recovered at the scene.

Cisneros was pronounced dead at the scene due to multiple stabs and incise knife wounds. Cisneros’ wife was transported to Huntington Hospital where she was treated for her stab wounds. On May 14, 2024, Cordova pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins to Manslaughter in the First Degree, and Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, both Class B violent felonies.

On July 24, 2024, Justice Collins sentenced Cordova to 30 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He is being represented by Matthew Tuohy, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Frank Schroeder of the Homicide Bureau and Patrick Fedun of the Major Crime Bureau and Raymond Coscia of Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Ronca of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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

Brendan Marchetti Allegedly Told Four Muslim Men That He Wanted to Kill All Muslims

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on July 17 that Brendan Marchetti, 35, of Huntington, was arrested for Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, as a Hate Crime, and other related charges, for threatening to kill four Muslim men and then ramming his vehicle into theirs.

“Prosecuting hate crimes is essential to not only protect victims but to also uphold the values of tolerance and respect, especially for other people’s religions. It is unconscionable that my prosecutors cannot ask for bail on cases such as this due to ‘Bail Reform,’ especially where such violence is alleged,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Hate in any form has no place in Suffolk County, and those who perpetrate such acts will face the full force of the law.”

According to the investigation, on June 17, 2024, at approximately 9:00 a.m., four Muslim men dressed in traditional Muslim attire were in a car on their way to a mosque. The men’s vehicle came to stop at a red light at an intersection in Huntington. Marchetti was in the driver seat of a vehicle that was stopped at the same red light. Marchetti allegedly stated to the Muslim men, in sum and substance, that he wanted to kill all Muslims, that all Muslims should die, and that he wanted to blow them up. Marchetti then allegedly drove his vehicle into the side of their car, causing damage exceeding $1,500.

As the victims began to drive away to flee, Marchetti allegedly attempted to strike their car a second time. In fear for their lives, the victims immediately called 911 and reported Marchetti’s license plate to the police. Law enforcement located Marchetti and his vehicle at an auto body shop a short time later and transported him to a hospital for mental health treatment.

On July 17, 2024, Marchetti was arraigned on the following charges before District Court Judge Rosann Orlando:

  •   Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, as a Hate Crime, a Class C felony;
  •   Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, as a Hate Crime, a Class E felony; and  Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree, as a Hate Crime, a Class A

    misdemeanor.

    All three charges that Marchetti faces are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning that prosecutors could not ask for bail, nor could a judge set bail at the time of arraignment. Thus, the District Attorney’s Office requested that Marchetti be placed on supervised released with GPS monitoring and mental health conditions. Judge Orlando ordered Marchetti to be placed on supervised released with mental health conditions. Marchetti is due back in court on July 24, 2024, and he is being represented by the Legal Aid Society.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tara O’Donnell of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Jack Balaguera of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Hate Crimes Unit.

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Photo courtesy of District Attorney Tierney's office

Kerriann Kelly is the First from Suffolk County to Receive This Prestigious Honor Since 2013

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney has announced that Major Crime Bureau Chief Kerriann Kelly was awarded the 2024 Prosecutor of the Year Award for Trial Advocacy at the District Attorneys Association of New York’s (DAASNY) annual summer conference held in Bolton Landing on June 29, 2024.

“Kerriann Kelly rightfully deserves this special recognition for her superior performance prosecuting Michael Valva and Angela Pollina for the 2020 murder of eight-year-old Thomas Valva,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Apart from being a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom, Kerriann is the epitome of a veteran prosecutor, having served the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for 36 years, conducted dozens of felony trials, and graciously mentored generations of young prosecutors under her leadership. There is no doubt that her accomplishments here in Suffolk County have, and will continue to have, a lasting impact on the larger legal community of New York.”

Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Kelly joined the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in 1988. She is a graduate of Boston College and the Oklahoma City University School of Law. After law school, ADA Kelly worked for the Suffolk County Attorney’s Office as a Deputy County Attorney for two years before transferring to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

She served in multiple bureaus including District Court, Appeals, White Collar Crime, Narcotics, Major Crime, and Homicide. Before District Attorney Tierney promoted her to Chief of the Major Crime Bureau in 2022, ADA Kelly also served as Chief of the Special Investigations Bureau, the Homicide Bureau, and the Felony Offense Bureau, where she supervised teams of prosecutors and oversaw hundreds of trials.

During her career, ADA Kelly brought over 40 felony cases to verdict at trial, including over 20 homicide trials. Two such recent cases were those of the People v. Michael Valva and People v. Angela Pollina. In 2022 and 2023, ADA Kelly led the trial team prosecuting these defendants in separate, high-profile trials for the murder of Valva’s eight-year-old son. Thomas tragically died of hypothermia on the fridged morning of January 17, 2020, after he and his 10-year-old brother were forced by the defendants to sleep in an unheated garage in below-freezing temperatures.

As a direct result of the evidence produced at trial and subsequent guilty verdicts, District Attorney Tierney requested a Special Grand Jury be empaneled to investigate the conduct and practices of Suffolk County Child Protective Services. Over the course of approximately six months, the Special Grand Jury heard testimony from 27 witnesses and examined 56 exhibits consisting of approximately 2000 pages of material. That Special Grand Jury issued a report containing factual findings and recommendations for legislative, executive, and administrative action to improve the efficacy of CPS and the safety of children in Suffolk County.

In addition to trial work and litigation training, ADA Kelly regularly lectures on behalf of the office on the topics of DNA, Grand Jury practice, jury selection, eyewitness identification, and video surveillance.

The DAASNY Prosecutor of the Year Award winners are selected from nominations made by district attorneys across New York State. The awards are given to prosecutors who have enhanced our criminal justice system in the courtroom and in the local community.

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