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Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney

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A neglected horse at Double D Bar Ranch in Manorville. Photo from Suffolk County D.A.'s office
A neglected sheep at Double D Bar Ranch in Manorville. Photo from Suffolk County D.A.'s office
A neglected pig at Double D Bar Ranch in Manorville. Photo from Suffolk County D.A.'s office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 14 that Double D Bar Ranch, Inc., a self-proclaimed animal sanctuary in Manorville, was arraigned on 112 counts of animal neglect. Specifically, it is alleged that Double D Bar Ranch neglected a broad variety of animals by failing to provide them with proper care including adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. The animals that were allegedly neglected include, but are not limited to cows, goats, horses, pigs, sheep, a mule, and an alpaca.

“No matter what name it operates under, a ‘sanctuary’ is not a sanctuary when it becomes a place of suffering,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Our commitment to protecting animals is unwavering. When those who claim to provide care instead allow neglect and cruelty, we will take necessary action. This prosecution reflects our dedication to ensuring that no animal is left to suffer without food, water, shelter, or medical attention. We are grateful to our many partners, law enforcement and beyond, who stepped in and stepped up for these animals.”

page1image36164480According to the investigation, beginning in early January 2025, Suffolk County Police Department detectives detailed to the District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) began visiting Double D Bar Ranch almost daily after receiving numerous complaints about the welfare of animals on the property. These complaints were exacerbated by the frigid, sub-zero temperatures that were consistently occurring at the time. Once on the property, detectives allegedly observed hundreds of animals with improper shelter and no access to liquid water. Among the animals on the property were a dog, cats, horses, cows, goats, sheep, an alpaca, pigs, chickens, turkeys, mules, peacocks, and assorted waterfowl. Some animals were allegedly found deceased. Several animals allegedly had untreated medical conditions including dental disease, tumors, matting, untreated wounds, lameness, respiratory infections, arthritis, emaciation, swollen body parts, and overgrown hooves, claws, and nails.

BEAST detectives spent several weeks working with various public and private partners to triage the animals. During such time, BEAST detectives worked hundreds of hours on-premises personally tending to the animals’ needs. Dozens of animals of various species have since been removed and efforts to remediate the premises are continuing. An appearance ticket was issued on February 11, 2025.

On February 13, Double D Bar Ranch was arraigned on 112 charges before District Court Judge Susan A. Berland. BEAST prosecutors requested two court orders which were both granted by Judge Berland. Those orders require Double D Bar Ranch to not take in any additional animals during the pendency of the case, and for law enforcement to continuously monitor the welfare of the animals that are still on the Double D Bar Ranch property. Double D Bar Ranch is due back in court on February 24, 2025, and the corporation is bring represented by Nora Constance Marino and Joseph W. Murray, Esqs.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Brooke Salvatore and Joanna Chalifoux of the Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST), and the investigation was conducted by Detective Joanna Westrack and other detectives assigned to the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney’s Squad.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the following organizations, businesses, and offices for their tireless work in this case:

  • 13 Hands Equine Rescue
  •  Blue Arrow Farm
  • Deep Hollow Ranch
  • Eastern Snouts
  • Humane Long Island
  • Mattituck Laurel Veterinary Hospital
  • Suffolk County Farm / Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • The Suffolk County Executive’s Office
  • The Town of BrookhavenReport animal abuse, neglect, or illegal possession of an exotic or dangerous animal in Suffolk County via their website. Always call 911 in the event of an emergency. If you would like to report anonymously, please call Crimestoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

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Alan Anderson

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Jan. 28 that a New York City Administration for Children’s Services employee, Alan Anderson, 60, of Oakdale, was sentenced to 10 months in jail for possessing and submitting 12 forged doctor notes to his employer to avoid having to appear for work. The arrest and conviction were the result of a joint investigation by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the New York City Department of Investigation.

“The defendant’s scheme not only defrauded taxpayers but also undermined the vital work of the Administration for Children’s Services, an agency tasked with protecting the city’s most vulnerable residents,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This sentence sends a clear message that we take public corruption seriously, regardless of scale. The integrity of our public institutions depends on honest service from every employee.”

According to the investigation and the defendant’s admissions in open court, between February 13 and May 7, 2024, Anderson submitted 12 fraudulent doctor notes to his employer, the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (“ACS”), in order to avoid having to commute to his scheduled in-person office dates.

At the time of the alleged offenses, Anderson was scheduled to work at the physical office location on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. All the dates Anderson submitted doctor notes were for either a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Anderson did not submit any notes corresponding with his scheduled remote workdays of Tuesday and Thursday.

On December 2, 2024, Anderson pleaded guilty to Official Misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor, before Acting County Court Judge James McDonaugh.

On January 27, Anderson was sentenced to 10 months in jail. He was represented by the Legal Aid Society.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alexander D. Sylvan of the Public Corruption Bureau, with investigative assistance provided by the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI).

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Gary Cowell

Gary Cowell Admitted That He Dismembered Woman and Discarded Her Body in Three Locations 

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Jan. 17 that Gary Cowell, 72, of Patchogue, pleaded guilty to Unlawful Concealment of a Human Corpse and Tampering with Physical Evidence, for dismembering Yvette Leonard after she died of an overdose.

“This defendant’s actions following Ms. Leonard’s death denied the victim of the dignity and respect that she deserved,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We hope that this plea allows Ms. Leonard’s family some measure of closure after enduring immense pain.”

According to the investigation and the defendant’s admissions during his plea allocution, on June 18, 2024, law enforcement was alerted that Leonard, 56, of Patchogue, was missing and had not been seen since June 13, 2024. Detectives interviewed Cowell after they learned that he was the last person to see her alive.

Following multiple interviews with witnesses as well as numerous subpoenas and search warrants, Cowell admitted to detectives that he panicked after Leonard overdosed on drugs that the pair had been ingesting and that he had dismembered her body and then scattered her remains throughout Patchogue.

Cowell also led detectives to the locations where he had dumped the remains. Detectives also recovered the axe and saw that Cowell used to dismember the victim.

On January 16, 2025, Cowell pleaded guilty Unlawful Concealment of a Human Corpse, a Class E felony, and Tampering with Physical Evidence, a Class E felony, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr. Cowell faces a maximum of 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Patrick E. Fedun and Kieran R. Rogers of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Lieutenant Anthony Calandrillo and Detective Frederick Reed of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fifth Squad, as well as Detective Walter Sosnowski of the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad.

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

Cody B. Fisher Was Allegedly Speeding While Impaired by Alcohol and Drugs When He Crashed into a Suffolk County Police Vehicle, Seriously Injuring Police Officer Brendon Gallagher

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Jan. 17 that Cody B. Fisher, 29, of Brentwood, was indicted for Assault on a Police Officer and several other related charges, for allegedly driving while impaired by the combined influence of alcohol and marijuana, speeding, failing to pull over, and crashing into Suffolk County Police Officer Brendon Gallagher’s vehicle during a pursuit that caused the officer’s car to flip and crash into a tree.

“The serious injuries sustained by Officer Gallagher, who was simply upholding his duty to protect our community, underscores the devastating consequences of dangerous driving,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The charges contained in the indictment reflect the severity of these actions, and we intend to hold the defendant fully accountable under the law.”

According to the investigation, on January 5, 2025, just before 6:00 p.m., Officer Gallagher was conducting a traffic stop of another motorist on the Long Island Expressway between exits 57 and 58. Fisher allegedly sped by Officer Gallagher in a 2021 Ford Mustang and revved his engine. Officer Gallagher left the traffic stop he was at, and then proceeded to attempt to pull Fisher over.

As Gallagher pulled alongside the defendant’s car, Fisher allegedly hit Officer Gallagher’s police vehicle, causing it to lose control, flip on its side, and smash into a tree on the side of the expressway.

Officer Gallagher needed to be extricated from the vehicle and was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was treated for serious injuries including a torn aorta and abdominal injuries which required surgery. Officer Gallagher remains at the hospital.

Following the crash, Fisher’s vehicle allegedly traveled hundreds of feet on the side of the road before coming to rest. When police arrived, they observed that Fisher had glassy bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and was unsteady on his feet. The officers also observed a strong smell of burnt marijuana emanating from Fisher’s person and from his vehicle. Fisher was placed under arrest and refused to submit to a chemical test of his blood.

On January 17, 2025, Fisher was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins, for the following charges contained in the indictment:

  • Assault on a Police Officer, a Class C violent felony;
  • Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
  • Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, a Class E felony;
  • Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in the Second Degree, a Class E felony;
  • Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor;
  • Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, an Unclassified misdemeanor;
  • Driving While Ability Impaired by the Combined Influence of a Drug or Alcohol and

    Drugs, an Unclassified misdemeanor;

  • Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, an Unclassified

    misdemeanor;

  • Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor; and
  • Speeding, a traffic infraction.

Justice Collins ordered Fisher to be held on $1 million cash, $2 million bond, or $10 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case, and Fisher’s driving privileges in New York State were suspended.

Fisher is due back in court on February 20, 2025, and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Eric Besso, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Acting Deputy Bureau Chief Laura Newcombe and Assistant District Attorney Annmarie DiBlasio of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, with investigative assistance by Detective Donal Hughes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit.

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

Daniel Fier Allegedly Embezzled Funds from Real Estate Escrow Accounts

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Jan. 16 that Daniel Fier, 40, of Patchogue, was indicted for Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, for allegedly stealing money from clients in connection with two real estate transactions.

“Alleged theft by professional misconduct is just as serious as any other larceny,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I am committed to impactful sentences on theft that will hold offenders accountable, strongly deter future crime, and expediently restore victims’ accounts.”

According to the investigation, in January 2022, Fier was hired to represent a seller in a real estate transaction. As part of the sale, a down payment of $13,450 was transferred from the purchaser to Fier’s attorney escrow account. Fier was required to hold the money in escrow and release it to the seller upon receiving authorization from the purchaser. However, Fier instead allegedly spent the purchaser’s money on personal expenses. When the purchaser later authorized release of the funds to the seller, the seller requested that Fier release the funds, but Fier allegedly never did.

Later, in October 2023, Fier was appointed as referee on the auction of a real estate property. On October 16, 2023, the property’s purchaser provided a down payment in the form of $65,000, which Fier deposited into his attorney escrow account.

Fier was required to hold the money in escrow and release it to the bank at the time of the property’s closing. However, Fier again allegedly spent the purchaser’s money on personal expenses. In November 2023, at the time of the real estate closing, when the purchaser later authorized release of the funds to the seller, the seller requested that Fier release the funds, but Fier allegedly did not comply.

On January 13, 2025, Fier was arrested by investigators assigned to the Public Corruption Squad of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

On January 14, 2025, Fier was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, and Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony.

Justice Horowitz released Fier on his own recognizance with the condition that he be placed on Supervised Release. Fier is due back in court on February 4, 2025, and faces 5 to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Jeremy Scileppi, Esq.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alexander D. Sylvan of the Public Corruption Bureau.

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

The Defendant Faces Up to 25 Years in Prison at Sentencing

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Jan. 15 that a 69-year-old Wading River man1 pleaded guilty in the middle of a jury trial to Course of Sexual Conduct in the First Degree and other related charges, after sexually abusing his granddaughter for years, beginning when she was seven years old.

“Children should feel loved and protected while in the company of their grandparents. This defendant, however, perpetrated heinous acts of sexual abuse against his own granddaughter,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Let the message be clear that my office will do everything in our power to protect children.”

According to the investigation and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, between the fall of 2017 and March 2021, the defendant subjected his granddaughter to repeated acts of sexual abuse whenever she stayed at her grandparents’ house. The victim disclosed the abuse to her mother in July 2022, when she was 12 years old. The victim’s mother then told her own mother, the victim’s grandmother and wife of the defendant.

The District Attorney’s Office is not naming the defendant in order to protect the identity of the child victim.

page1image42578736Upon learning that her husband had sexually abused their granddaughter, the victim’s grandmother confronted the defendant who then admitted to the abuse. The family then immediately called the police, and the defendant was placed under arrest, at which time he again confessed to having sexually abused the victim.

On January 14, 2025, the defendant pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei to the following charges:

  •   Course of Sexual Conduct in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   Course of Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony; and
  •   Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor.

    The defendant is due back in court for sentencing on February 26, 2025, and faces up to 25 years in prison, followed by 20 years of post-release supervision. He is being represented by Steven Politi, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Dana Castaldo and Katherine Flinchum of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Adolfo Berrios of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Special Victims Section.

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

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Jan. 7 a first round of results from “Operation Bloodhound,” which is an ongoing initiative between the DA’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) and the Suffolk County Police Department. The joint law enforcement venture is to ensure that all laws and court mandates pertaining to animal cruelty prosecutions are strictly enforced.

As part of the operation, members of law enforcement engaged in dozens of compliance actions against individuals who either had been accused of or had previously been convicted of animal cruelty-related offenses. The Suffolk County Police Department’s Warrant Squad additionally assisted in the apprehension of multiple defendants who had active warrants for not showing up to court to face charges of alleged animal neglect or abuse.

“Our fight to enforce laws against animal cruelty is not confined to courtroom walls,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We will work to ensure that defendants who disregard court orders and court appearances are found and brought to justice. I want to thank the Suffolk County Police Department Warrant Squad in particular for helping to make ‘Operation Bloodhound’ a sustained and impactful success.”

“It is up to law enforcement to ensure defenseless animals who have no voice are protected especially from those who have no right to own them,” said Suffolk County Police Acting Commissioner Robert Waring. “This important initiative ensures compliance of animal abusers, and I commend the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the department’s Warrant Enforcement Section officers for their efforts in this ongoing operation.”

BEAST detectives arrested four convicted animal abusers for failing to renew their registration for Suffolk County’s Animal Abuse Offender Registry, as required by Suffolk County Local Law. Three of those four defendants had pleaded to engaging in dogfighting in their prior case.

BEAST detectives also conducted numerous unannounced spot-check visits of defendants’ homes to ensure that they were in compliance with their criminal court sentences or orders. During one of the visits, a Calverton woman was found in possession of eight dogs and was accordingly arrested for eight counts of criminal contempt for violating a court order that prohibited her from possessing additional animals while her animal cruelty case was pending. Additionally, a Mastic Beach man was arrested for four counts of criminal contempt after investigators found him in possession of four cats in violation of a court order that prohibited him from owning or possessing animals for 10 years after a conviction on a prior animal neglect case. That defendant was also charged with not registering for the Suffolk County’s Animal Abuse Offender Registry.

Suffolk County police officers apprehended two defendants on outstanding warrants for absconding from pending criminal proceedings and charged them with additional bail jumping charges on top of their original cruelty charges. One of these defendants had allegedly stolen a kitten from the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation and then attempted to kick the arresting officers. Detectives also located a defendant with an active warrant for animal abandonment at a detention center in Virginia.

Numerous other defendants that were checked during this enforcement initiative were found to be in compliance with court orders or the conditions of their probationary sentences.

Anyone convicted of specific animal cruelty offenses must annually register with the Suffolk County Police Department and pay a fee.

Operation Bloodhound is ongoing, and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and Suffolk County Police Department will continue to work collaboratively to ensure that court orders and sentences related to animal cruelty are being complied with, and that additional defendants with active warrants are apprehended.

These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant District Attorneys assigned to the Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST), under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Jed L. Painter and Brooke Salvatore.

Report animal abuse, neglect, or illegal possession of an exotic or dangerous animal in Suffolk County via our Website. Always call 911 in the event of an emergency.

If you have any information regarding the location of a defendant who has an active warrant, please call Crimestoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

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

Melissa Koprowski Was Allegedly Driving While Intoxicated When She Caused a Fatal Collision

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Jan. 7 that Melissa Koprowski, 31, of Yaphank, was indicted for Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Ability Impaired by the Combination of Alcohol and a Drug, and other related charges, following a November 2024 crash on Middle Country Road that killed a passenger in another car, Esther Guy, 75, of Coram, and injured the driver.

“Driving while impaired is lethal activity and will be treated as such,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will seek justice for the family of Esther Guy and will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone who chooses to threaten the safety of our roadways.”

According to the investigation, on November 22, 2024, at approximately 8:39 p.m., Melissa Koprowski was allegedly operating a 2014 Dodge Durango eastbound on Middle Country Road in Middle Island. As Koprowski entered the intersection at Wading River Hollow Road, she attempted to make a left-hand turn in front of oncoming traffic, without having the right of way.

At that time, a blue 2022 Nissan Rogue was traveling westbound on Middle Country Road proceeding through the intersection with a green light. The driver’s two-year-old child and 75- year-old mother, Esther Guy, were seated in the backseat of the Nissan Rogue. Koprowski’s SUV crashed head-on into the Nissan Rogue within the west bound lane of the intersection sending the Rogue off the road and into the wooded shoulder.

Immediately following the crash, Suffolk County police and other emergency responders rendered aid to those involved in the collision. All three occupants of the Nissan Rogue were transported via ambulance to Long Island Community Hospital where the driver of the Nissan Rogue was treated for her injuries. Esther Guy was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival to the hospital. The two-year-old child was uninjured.

Koprowski was also transported to Long Island Community Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. While at the hospital, officers alleged that she displayed indicia of intoxication and placed her under arrest.

On January 6, 2025, Koprowski was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for the following charges:

  •   One count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   One count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
  •   One count of Assault in the Third Degree, a Class A misdemeanor;
  •   Two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, Unclassified misdemeanors;
  •   One count of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, a Class A misdemeanor;
  •   One count of Driving While Ability Impaired by the Combination of Alcohol and a Drug an Unclassified Misdemeanor; and
  •   One count of Reckless Driving, an Unclassified Misdemeanor.

    Justice Horowitz ordered Koprowski held on $200,000 cash, $400,000 bond, or $1.5 million partially secured bond, and suspended Koprowski’s license during the pendency of the case.

Koprowski is due back in court on February 5, 2025. She is being represented by John Halverson, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney MacDonald Drane of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Brian Whitehead of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit.

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Photo courtesy of Suffolk County D.A.'s office
Photo courtesy of Suffolk County D.A.'s office
Photo courtesy of Suffolk County D.A.'s office
Photo courtesy of Suffolk County D.A.'s office
Photo courtesy of Suffolk County D.A.'s office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Jan. 3 that Munim Raghid, 26, of Ronkonkoma, was arrested on January 2 by members of the District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) and charged with one count of alleged animal cruelty and four counts of alleged criminal contempt in the second degree.

The defendant had been previously charged with animal cruelty, in December 2024, for neglecting a Kangal Shepherd to the point of its alleged emaciation. In connection with that case, which is still pending in Suffolk County District Court, the Honorable Judge Evan Zuckerman had ordered that the defendant not be allowed to possess any animals during the course of the prosecution. Nonetheless, BEAST investigators allegedly found him to be in possession of three additional Kangal Shepherds, including two puppies, which were immediately seized pursuant to a search warrant. Tragically, one of the puppies was severely injured at the time of his discovery.

“I created my BEAST investigative team for a reason,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We will pursue every act of animal cruelty reported to us and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”

The current investigation started when a Good Samaritan observed an injured puppy lying in a roadway on New Years Eve. The puppy appeared to have been recently struck by a car and could not use its legs. The Samaritan wrapped the puppy in a blanket and raced it to Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists, an emergency hospital. The puppy was evaluated and found to have severe injuries to its back legs. Meanwhile, the Good Samaritan returned to the area where the puppy was found and started knocking on doors to identify the owner. The house immediately adjacent to where the puppy was found was the defendant’s. When he was notified that his puppy was hit by a car and brought to the veterinary center, he allegedly went to retrieve it. At this point in time, the defendant, due to another pending prosecution, was under a Court Order not to possess or have custody or control over any animals.

The defendant allegedly went to Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists, where he was advised by medical staff that the animal had severe injuries and should not leave. Nonetheless, the defendant allegedly removed the puppy against medical advice that evening, just before midnight.

Upon learning of this event, BEAST investigators responded to the defendant’s home on New Years Day. When they were not allowed access, they returned with a search warrant. During the course of their search, three animals, including the injured puppy, were allegedly recovered. The injured puppy, per the allegations, was not provided with any veterinary care for what was later determined to be a fractured pelvis and leg fractures. These injuries will require the puppy to undergo extensive surgery.

On the new case, the defendant has been charged with one count of animal cruelty, as a class A misdemeanor, for allegedly permitting the puppy to suffer without adequate veterinary care, and four counts of criminal contempt in the second degree, as a class A misdemeanor, for violation of Judge Zuckerman’s court order. He is scheduled to be arraigned on these charges on January 3, 2025.

The defendant surrendered both puppies to law enforcement at the time of seizure. They are both available for adoption through the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter. However, the one puppy must first undergo significant rehabilitative surgery for its injuries.

Through the District Attorney’s previously announced working agreement with Fund for Animal Cruelty Treatment of Suffolk, Inc. (FACTS), FACTS has pledged to contribute to the veterinary care of the injured puppy. To find out more about how FACTS helps victims of animal cruelty, and how the public can help this puppy, please visit https://factssaves.org/.

Both cases against the defendant are being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kelsey Ferris of the District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team, and the investigation was conducted by Detectives Joanna Westrack and Elizabeth Tomlin of the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney Squad.

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

Tavion Elting Allegedly Possessed a Loaded Gun That Fell Out of His Pocket During a Fight on Black Friday

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Dec. 23 that Tavion Elting, 18, of East Patchogue has been indicted on felony weapons charges following a brawl in the food court of the Smith Haven Mall on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

“A loose loaded gun and a hot-tempered brawl in crowded mall on Black Friday – this incident was just one breath away from becoming a total nightmare,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We will be seeking a prosecution outcome that is commensurate with the dreadful potential of this incident in order to deter anyone and everyone from following in these footsteps.”

According to the investigation, on “Black Friday,” November 29, 2024, just after 7:00 p.m., Elting allegedly participated in a fight in the crowded food court area of the Smith Haven Mall. During the fight, while Elting was allegedly struggling with another individual, a loaded 9 mm pistol fell out of his pocket and onto the mall floor.

A bystander was able to kick the gun away from Elting and another bystander then placed in it a safe location until it was recovered and secured by Suffolk County Police officers.

page1image40522624A number of witnesses allegedly captured Elting dropping the weapon on cellphone cameras as well as Elting allegedly frantically searching on the ground for the gun. They shared these videos with police, who were able to quickly identify and apprehend Elting. A subsequent examination of the firearm revealed that not only was the weapon loaded, but the gun also had a round chambered – meaning that it was immediately ready to be discharged.

On November 30, 2024, Elting was arraigned on a felony complaint in First District Court by Judge Bernard Cheng. While the District Attorney’s Office had requested bail in the amount of $30,000 cash, $60,000 bond, and $300,000 partially secured bond, the court set bail in the amount of $5,000 cash, $10,000 bond, and $50,000 partially secured bond.

Justice Senft ordered Elting held on $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond or $500,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Elting is due back in court on January 13, 2025, and faces a maximum of 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by John Halvorsen, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Melisa Bliss and Mary Skiber of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective James Gonzalez of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth Squad.

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