CLOSE
Tags Posts tagged with "Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney"

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney

by -
0 1313
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Josue Bedell, Jr. and Christian Anderson Allegedly Committed Four Gunpoint Robberies of Gas Stations/Convenience Stores Located Between Ronkonkoma and Massapequa

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Josue Bedell, Jr., 22, of Mastic, and Christian Anderson, 24, of Shirley, were indicted on multiple counts of armed robbery and conspiracy, related to four gunpoint robberies of gas stations/convenience stores that were all hit in one night in December 2023.

“Gunpoint robberies terrorize hard-working members of our community and hurt small businesses,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Through the collaborative efforts of the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County Sherriff’s Office, the Nassau County Police Department, and our own Gang Violence Task Force, we were able to put this case together. My office looks forward to holding the defendants who are alleged to have committed these robberies accountable in court.”

According to the investigation, beginning on December 2, 2023, and continuing into the early morning hours of December 3, 2023, Anderson and Bedell allegedly coordinated the acquisition of a firearm, inconspicuous clothing, and a stolen Dodge Charger to use in a string of gunpoint robberies of gas stations and convenience stores. The alleged robberies began in Ronkonkoma and steadily moved west over an approximate one-hour span, eventually ending in Massapequa.

The first robbery occurred on December 3, 2023, at approximately 1:35 a.m., when Bedell allegedly entered a Bolla Market in Ronkonkoma, held the clerk at gunpoint, demanded money, and then fled in the Dodge Charger with approximately $1,000 in cash.

About twenty minutes later, at 1:55 a.m., Bedell then allegedly entered a BP Gas Station in Hauppauge, held the clerk at gunpoint, demanded money, and then fled in the Dodge Charger with about $1,200 in cash.

Less than 30 minutes later, at 2:23 a.m., Bedell allegedly picked up Anderson in the Dodge Charger and entered a 7-Eleven convenience store in Amityville. Once inside, Bedell allegedly jumped over the counter, held the clerk at gun point, and demanded money from the register. Anderson then allegedly drove Bedell away from the store in the Dodge Charger with approximately $800 in cash.

Six minutes later, at 2:29 a.m., Bedell and Anderson allegedly drove to a Bolla Market in Massapequa. Once inside, Bedell allegedly jumped over the counter, held the clerk at gun point, and demanded money from the cash register. Bedell and Anderson then allegedly drove away in the Dodge Charger with approximately $600 in cash.

Members of the Nassau County Police Department began to pursue the Dodge Charger, but later found it abandoned after it crashed into a tree on the lawn of a residence in Wantagh. Items recovered from the vehicle and crash scene allegedly included Bedell’s cellphone, clothing belonging to each of the defendants, and some of the cash proceeds from the robberies.

Bedell and Anderson were each indicted for the following charges:

  •   Four counts of Robbery in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies;
  •   Two counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies; and
  •   One count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony.

On May 8, 2024, Bedell was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr., who ordered him held on $2 million cash, $4 million bond, or $20 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Bedell is due back in court on May 30, 2024, and he is being represented by John Halverson, Esq.

On May 9, 2024, Anderson was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Senft, who ordered him held on $1.5 million cash, $3 million bond, or $15 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Anderson is due back in court on May 28, 2024, and he is being represented by Anthony Rutkowski, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Martha Duffy of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Sean McQuaid of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Squad, Detective Brian Parpan of the Nassau County Police Department’s Robbery Squad, and members of the District Attorney’s Gang Task Force.

by -
0 1103
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Jaswinder Singh Allegedly Crashed into Multiple Cars Stopped at a Red Light, Killing 24-Year-Old Joseph Kelly

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on May 3 that Jaswinder Singh, 52, of Bellrose, Queens, was indicted for Criminally Negligent Homicide and other related charges, for allegedly driving a sanitation truck at an unreasonable speed and crashing into multiple vehicles that had been stopped at a red light on the South Service Road of the Long Island Expressway in Hauppauge. The collision caused the death of Joseph Kelly, 24, of West Islip, who was in one of the other vehicles.

“This defendant, who was allegedly driving a 19-ton truck, had a responsibility to drive prudently and cautiously. Instead, he is alleged to have been speeding, causing him to crash into a line of cars stopped at the traffic light, resulting in the loss of Joseph Kelly’s life,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Today’s indictment reflects the solemn duty of law enforcement to hold individuals accountable for their actions, particularly if their alleged crime results in the loss of life.”

According to the investigation, on July 3, 2023, Singh was allegedly driving a sanitation truck from Brooklyn to a commercial establishment in Suffolk County, where it was to be outfitted before being put into service with the New York City Department of Sanitation. At approximately 8:50 a.m., Singh, who was allegedly headed eastbound on the Long Island Expressway, exited at Exit 57 onto Express Drive South in Hauppauge.

Singh allegedly continued to drive on Express Drive South at a high rate of speed that was as he approached a steady red light where cars were stopped. Singh then allegedly failed to slow down or apply the brakes of the truck, causing him to crash into the back of multiple vehicles that had been stopped in front of him, and barrel through the red light at the intersection.

The 38,900-pound garbage truck allegedly first collided with a Honda Civic that was being operated by the victim Kelly, causing a chain reaction of multiple car crashes. Kelly died on impact. The multi car collision involved damage to five vehicles, including a school bus, and left a debris field of approximately 300 feet.

On May 3, 2024, Singh was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski, for the following charges:

  •   One count of Criminally Negligent Homicide, a Class E felony;
  •   Two counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors;
  •   One count of Reckless Driving, a Class U misdemeanor; and
  •   One count of Speeding Not Reasonable and Prudent, a traffic infraction.

    Justice Pilewski ordered Singh to surrender his passport, placed him on supervised release and suspended his driver’s license. Singh is due back in court on May 17, 2024, and he is being represented by the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society. If convicted of the top count, the maximum sentence allowable under current New York State law is one and one-third to four years in prison.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Emma Henry and James McCormack of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Marissa DeMeo of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth Squad.

by -
0 832
Steven Reid

Steven Reid is Expected to be Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison Followed by Five Years of Post-Release Supervision

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 19 that Steven Reid, 27, of Calverton, pleaded guilty to Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges, for opening fire at a candlelight vigil in Bellport in July 2023. Reid was also convicted of Assault in the Second Degree for his unprovoked attack on a Corrections Officer in December 2023 while in custody on the charges related to the July 2023 Attempted Murder incident.

“This defendant viciously opened fire on an unsuspecting community gathered to mourn the loss of a loved one,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The defendant then continued his violent behavior while in custody, assaulting an unsuspecting Corrections Officer just trying to do his job. This conviction sends a message that my office will prosecute gun violence in our community and violence against our law enforcement partners to the fullest extent.”

“Thank you to the District Attorney’s Office for their swift work in convicting Bloods gang member Steven Reid,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “In addition to his heinous crimes, Reid also assaulted a correction officer while in our custody. Corrections is not an easy job and people sometimes underestimate the dangers we deal with each day.”

On July 6, 2023, more than 100 people gathered in Bellport to celebrate the life of a community member who had tragically died in a motorcycle accident days before. At the end of the candlelight vigil, Reid became involved in a physical altercation with another man who attended the vigil.

During the altercation, Reid pulled out a gun and shot the man at point-blank range in the upper right thigh. The bullet shattered the man’s femur, passed through his leg, and lodged into his right shin. Vigil attendees placed a tourniquet on the man’s leg and rushed him to the hospital where he underwent emergency orthopedic surgery to replace his shattered femur with metal rods and pins.

Minutes later, Reid followed the dispersing crowd and opened fire on another group of vigil attendees. Reid allegedly shot at one man from close range. That victim suffered four gunshot wounds, including gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder, and both of his legs. Immediately thereafter, Reid opened fire at an adult female two times and then shot at another group of people, including a woman and a nine-year old boy, as they were running away to a nearby residence.

Reid fled Suffolk County and was apprehended in North Carolina in September 2023, and was brought back to Suffolk County to face charges. On December 19, 2023, while in custody at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility, Reid assaulted a 26-year-old Corrections Officer by hitting the officer several times without provocation.

On April 19, 2024, Reid pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice Anthony Senft to:

  •   Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony; and
  •   Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony.

    Reid is due back in court for sentencing on May 22, 2024, and is expected to be sentenced to 14 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He is being represented by Eric Pack, Esq. and the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Anne E. Oh of the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Wilson Nieves of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fifth Squad, United States Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Taskforce, and the Warrant Enforcement Section and Computer Crimes Unit of the Suffolk County Police Department.

by -
0 1000
Desmond Roberts

While Serving Probation for a Prior Felony Conviction, Desmond Roberts was Found in Possession of a Loaded Handgun, Multiple Illegal Drugs Packaged for Sale, and $190,000 in Cash

1 of 6
Desmond Roberts
Photo from SCPD
Photo from SCPD
Photo from SCPD
Photo from SCPD
Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Desmond Roberts, 31, of Coram, pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, for possessing a loaded semi-automatic firearm, fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone that investigators found during the execution of a court-ordered search warrant of his residence.

“It is deeply disappointing to see someone disregard the opportunity for rehabilitation provided by probation and instead choose to continue to break the law,” said District Attorney Tierney. “These crimes are serious violations of public safety and the law. Probation is a chance for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to positive change, and those who choose to ignore it, like this defendant did, must face the consequences of their actions.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on June 9, 2023, members of the Suffolk County Police Department executed a search warrant at Roberts’ residence in Coram. During their search, detectives found a loaded Smith and Wesson 9 mm semi-automatic firearm, as well as 9.71 ounces of cocaine, 4.56 ounces of fentanyl, and 0.58 ounces of oxycodone. All of the drugs were packaged in a manner consistent with drug sales.

In addition, detectives found drug paraphernalia including packaging material and diluents, three digital scales, multiple cell phones, and over $190,000 in cash. At the time of the search, law enforcement also found three young children in the home in close proximity to the drugs and gun.

At the time of the offense, Roberts was on probation for a 2018 conviction for Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree.

On April 19, 2024, Roberts pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, an A-II felony, before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro.

Roberts is due back in court for sentencing on May 24, 2024, and is expected to be sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He is being represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Dennis Wouters of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Thomas Daley of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Special Operations Team. The civil asset forfeiture action concerning the United States currency is being litigated by Assistant District Attorney Robert Barry from the Asset Forfeiture and Intelligence Bureau.

by -
0 473
Clyves Laurent

Clyves Laurent Faces up to 15 Years in Prison at Sentencing

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Clyves Laurent, 30, of Elmont, was found guilty after a jury trial of weapons and drug charges, for possessing a defaced loaded handgun and methamphetamine outside of a Mount Sinai gas station convenience store.

“This defendant, a previously convicted violent felon, was in possession of a defaced and loaded handgun when he entered a convenience store with a ski mask on,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the sharp eyes and quick thinking of an off-duty Suffolk County detective, a potentially violent incident was averted.”

The evidence at trial established that on February 11, 2023, at approximately 1:20 a.m., an off- duty Suffolk County Police Department detective observed a male matching the description of a person wanted for a robbery of a Smoke Shop that occurred a week earlier at a Sunoco gas station in Mount Sinai. The detective observed that Laurent entered the gas station’s convenience store wearing a ski mask, did not purchase anything, and then quickly exited.

When the detective approached Laurent, he observed a bulge in the defendant’s pants which appeared to be a firearm.

Laurent became combative and refused to keep his hands away from his waistband. The detective called for assistance, and when officers arrived, they attempted to conduct a frisk of Laurent for weapons, at which point he unsuccessfully attempted to flee.

After Laurent was placed in custody, the detective removed a defaced Glock handgun from the defendant’s groin area. Laurent was transported to the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Precinct, where upon being processed for the arrest, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

On April 18, 2024, Laurent was convicted after a jury trial, heard before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei, of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Additionally, in 2010, Laurent was previously convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class D felony.

Laurent is due back in court for sentencing on May 21, 2024, and faces up to 15 years in prison. He is being represented by the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jennifer Wickers and Raquel Tisi of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detectives Thomas Daley and Christopher Sanchez of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Squad.

by -
0 1284
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Erick Garcia Allegedly Shot and Killed 19-Year-Old Carlos Guillen

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 12 that Erick Garcia, 20, of Central Islip, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges, for allegedly fatally shooting Carlos Guillen, 19, of Bay Shore, during an attempted robbery in October 2022.

“Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners are relentless in their pursuit of solving homicide cases in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I would like to thank the detectives here for not giving up and making sure that no victim is overlooked.”

According to the investigation, on October 1, 2022, Garcia allegedly arranged to meet Guillen in a plan devised by Garcia to rob Guillen. When Guillen arrived at the meeting location, Garcia allegedly went into Guillen’s vehicle armed with a firearm and attempted to execute the robbery. Guillen then accelerated with Garcia still inside the vehicle, and Garcia allegedly then shot Guillen. Surveillance video captured Garcia exiting Guillen’s vehicle thereafter, while it was still in motion. Guillen attempted to call 911 but was unable to speak during the call and then crashed his vehicle. He was then transported to South Shore University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

On November 10, 2022, approximately one month after the shooting, Garcia was arrested in Central Islip on an unrelated case after police allegedly found him in possession of a 9 mm unserialized gun. Garcia was then indicted for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, and arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Justice Pilewski ordered Garcia to be placed on supervised release with GPS conditions during the pendency of that case, which is still pending. Garcia is due back in court for that case on May 3, 2024. The gun allegedly recovered from Garcia during the November 2022 arrest is not believed to be connected to the homicide.

Garcia was located by the Suffolk County Police Department on April 11, 2024, and placed under arrest for homicide. On April 12, 2024, Garcia was arraigned on the new indictment before Justice Pilewski, for the following charges:

 Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A felonies;
 One count of Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, a Class C violent felony; and
 One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony.

Justice Pilewski ordered Garcia to be remanded during the pendency of the case. Garcia is due back in court on May 31, 2024, and he is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

The homicide case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sheetal Shetty of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Repperger from the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad. The gun possession case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Matthew Laube of the Major Crime Bureau.

by -
0 679
Travis Dickson

Travis Dickson Pleaded Guilty in February to Driving 119 mph With a Revoked License and While Impaired by Alcohol and Marijuana

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 6 that Travis Dickson, 32, of Brooklyn, was sentenced to 4.5 to 13.5 years in prison after he pleaded guilty in February to driving his vehicle at an extremely high rate of speed on the Long Island Expressway and crashing into the back of another vehicle, killing a 9-year-old boy.

“As this case clearly illustrates, drunk and drug-impaired drivers are a danger to our communities and often times cause collisions which turn fatal for innocent victims,” said District Attorney Tierney. “A child lost their life because of the selfish actions of the defendant. I hope that this prison sentence brings some small degree of solace to the victim’s family who are undoubtedly still grieving his loss.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on August 22, 2022, at approximately 1:49 a.m., Dickson drove a 2018 BMW 540i westbound on the Long Island Expressway at 119 mph, while he was impaired by a combination of alcohol and marijuana. Dickson then struck the back of a 2019 Toyota Corolla, making no attempt to use the vehicle’s brakes prior to the impact. Inside the Toyota was a 9-year-old child restrained in a booster seat, and his father, the driver.

The child was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was listed in critical condition due to the injuries sustained from the crash. The victim’s father was also taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. On August 24, 2022, doctors declared the child brain-dead, and he was ultimately removed from life support after arrangements were made to donate his organs.

Following the crash, Dickson exhibited signs of intoxication, made admissions to smoking marijuana, and law enforcement found marijuana on his person. A sample of Dickson’s blood drawn approximately three hours after the crash revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .14% and the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana. Law enforcement also determined that Dickson’s New York State driver’s license was revoked at the time he was driving the BMW.

On February 9, 2024, Dickson pleaded guilty to the following charges before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz:

  •   Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   Assault in the Third Degree, a Class A misdemeanor;
  •   Driving While Intoxicated and Driving While Impaired by the Combined Influence ofAlcohol and a Drug, an Unclassified misdemeanor;
  •   Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor; and
  •   Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, an Unclassifiedmisdemeanor.

    On April 5, 2024, Justice Horowitz sentenced Dickson to 4.5 to 13.5 years in prison. The People recommended that Dickson be sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison, the maximum sentence allowed under the law. Dickson was represented by Douglas Rankin, Esq.

by -
0 603
Donald Archibald

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on March 13 that Donald Archibald, 44, of the Bronx, was sentenced to one to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty in February to multiple counts of grand larceny and identity theft for stealing the identities of multiple Suffolk County residents and then using their personal identifying information to obtain money.

“Identity theft comes with serious consequences. Not only for the thief but also for the victims. No one wants their personal information stolen and used for illegal activities or have their funds wiped out to fund a criminal’s greed,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We take these crimes seriously and we will continue to go after those who take advantage of others through such deceptive and invasive means.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on April 13, 2023, at approximately 12:12 p.m., after obtaining his first victim’s Suffolk County address and contact information off the dark web, Archibald entered an M&T Bank in Bridgeport, Connecticut and displayed a false driver’s license to the bank teller. The license displayed the victim’s correct name and address but had the defendant’s face depicted. Archibald presented the teller with a withdrawal slip and withdrew $2,000 from the victim’s checking account.

Later that same day, at approximately 12:36 p.m., Archibald entered a different M&T Bank branch in Bridgeport, Connecticut and used the same Suffolk County resident’s bank account information and a “washed” check to withdraw $3,000 in cash from the victim’s account.

In a similar scheme, on April 14, 2023, after once again obtaining another Suffolk County resident’s personal information off the dark web, Archibald entered a TD Bank in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and, similarly, displayed a false driver’s license with a picture of his own face but with the victim’s information. Archibald then cashed a $4,500 “washed” check issued in the name of the victim.

On February 9, 2024, Archibald pleaded guilty to the following charges before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro:

 One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony;
 Two counts of Identity Theft in the First Degree, Class D felonies;
 One count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony; and  One count of Identity Theft in the Second Degree, a Class E felony.

On March 13, 2024, Justice Ambro ordered Archibald to serve an indeterminate sentence of one to three years in prison. He was represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan Hunter of the Financial Crimes Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Daniel Pagano of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Financial Crime Unit.

by -
0 690
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Jianxin You Pleaded Guilty to Charges Including Enterprise Corruption and Money Laundering in 2021, but Allegedly Failed to Show Up to Court for Sentencing

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Jianxin You, 56, of Manhattan, was arrested and arraigned on a new bail jumping charge, for allegedly failing to return to court for sentencing after pleading guilty in 2021 to enterprise corruption, money laundering, and conspiracy charges.

“After this defendant pleaded guilty to several felonies in 2021, she allegedly failed to show up to court for sentencing and fled the country,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I thank the Suffolk County Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations for assisting us in locating this defendant so she can face justice.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during her prior guilty plea allocution, You and her co-defendants engaged in a pattern of promoting prostitution at three massage parlors in Suffolk County in 2018. You procured female workers, solicited patrons, and profited from the prostitution operation at two locations – one on Middle Country Road in Centereach, and the other on Middle Country Road in Middle Island.

In addition, You and her co-defendants laundered the criminal proceeds through various methods, including depositing cash into a business entity account in the name of New Green Aroma Spa Inc., paying for expenses associated with the illegal operation, sending large sums of money to individuals’ bank accounts, purchasing property, and exchanging the proceeds for foreign currencies.

On July 27, 2022, You allegedly failed to return to court for sentencing after pleading guilty on December 3, 2021, to the following charges:

  •   One count of Enterprise Corruption, a Class B felony;
  •   One count of Money Laundering in the Second Degree a Class C felony;
  •   Two counts of Money Laundering in the Third Degree, Class D felonies;
  •   One count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony; and
  •   One count of Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

    On March 7, 2024, Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro ordered You held on $1 million cash, $3 million bond, or $5 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the cases. You is being represented by Edgar Fankbonner, Esq. on the enterprise corruption case, and is being represented by the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society on the new bail jumping charge. You is due back in court on April 8, 2024.

    This case is being prosecuted by Bureau Chief Lucie Kwon and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sacks of the Financial Crimes Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective Jesse Zuckerman of the Suffolk County Police Department and agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”).

by -
0 1076
1 of 2
Shawana Williams
Tina White

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 23 that Tina White, 36, of Bellport, and Shawana Williams, 45, of Centereach, each pleaded guilty to unlawfully receiving thousands of dollars for filing separate, fraudulent Small Business Administration loan applications.

“At a time where people were falling ill to COVID-19 and struggling financially, these two U.S. government employees abused a system designed to assist small businesses in order to line their own pockets,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I want to thank the United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration for working with my office to investigate and prosecute those who would steal taxpayer funds.”

According to the investigation and the defendants’ admissions during their guilty plea allocutions, on May 7, 2020, and July 6, 2020, respectively, White and Williams each filed COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications with the Small Business Administration in which they each claimed to be the owners of businesses in need of financial assistance due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

White claimed to be the Chief Operating Officer of an agricultural business, and Williams claimed to be the Chief Operating Officer of a medical services business. However, neither business existed. White received $6,000 and Williams received $4,000 as initial cash advancements while their respective loan applications were being processed. Both loan applications were ultimately denied, but White and Williams never returned the money they unlawfully received.

On December 21, 2023, Tina White pleaded guilty before Acting County Court Judge, the Honorable James McDonaugh, to Petit Larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. White paid restitution in the amount of $6,000, and was sentenced on December 21, 2023 to a conditional discharge.

On February 23, 2024, Shawana Williams pleaded guilty before Judge McDonaugh to Falsifying Business Records in the Second Degree and Petit Larceny, both Class A misdemeanors. She paid restitution in the amount of $4,000, and was sentenced on February 23, 2024 to a conditional discharge.

Both White and Williams were represented by Michael Brown, Esq.

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

 

Prev1...456...7Next Page 5 of 7
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©