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Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney

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

Robert Terry Accused of Shorting Workers $83K

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Dec. 16 that Robert Terry, 65, of Southampton, owner of Terry Contracting & Materials in Riverhead, was indicted for Willful Failure to Pay the Prevailing Wage Rate, and other related charges, for allegedly misclassifying his employees’ work categories on certified payrolls, resulting in approximately $83,694 in underpayments.

According to the investigation, between March and August 2018, Terry was a contractor at the Davis Park Marina Improvement project, a public works contract that required the contractor to pay his employees the proper prevailing wage rate, based on the tasks that they performed on the project. Additionally, he was responsible for completing certified payrolls that affirmed he paid his employees the proper prevailing wages while they worked on the project.

Instead, Terry allegedly classified his employees under the wage rate for “laborers,” which is lower than the wage rate for “dock builders,” though the employees were performing tasks necessitating the higher salary rate.

Moreover, even though additional employees of Terry Contracting & Materials, Inc. worked as crane operators on the project, they were allegedly unlawfully omitted from the certified payrolls. After an investigation, New York State Department of Labor determined that Terry and his company owes the employees over $80,000 for failing to pay them as dock builders.

On December 12, 2024, Terry and his corporation, Terry Contracting & Materials, Inc. were arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice, Timothy P. Mazzei for one count of Willful Failure to Pay the Prevailing Wage Rate and Supplement, Falsifying a Business Record in the First Degree, both Class E felonies, and Falsifying a Business Record in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Justice Mazzei ordered Terry to be released on his own recognizance because his charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set, bail. Terry is due back in court on January 23, 2025, and faces 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is represented by Michael Cornacchia, Esq.

“This defendant allegedly pocketed money that would have gone to his workers and their families,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We will not allow unscrupulous business owners to enrich themselves by cheating workers out of their legally mandated wages on taxpayer-funded projects.”

This case is being prosecuted by Adriana Noyola of the Financial Crimes Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Investigators Dennis Marcel and Daniel Ayrovainen of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s Financial Crimes Bureau.

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Javesh Persaud

Javesh Persaud Lured an 18-Year-Old Woman to Suffolk County and Forced Her to Engage in Sexual Acts

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Dec. 11 that Javesh Persaud, 34, of Shirley, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to Sex Trafficking, and other related charges, for luring a woman experiencing homelessness to Suffolk County by promising her shelter and then forcing her to engage in sexual acts with others in exchange for money to “repay” him.

“This defendant took advantage of the victim who was in a vulnerable situation and subjected her to cruel and inhumane acts for his own personal gain,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This sentence not only gives justice to the victim but also sends a message that human trafficking will not be tolerated in Suffolk County.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, in July 2023, Persaud met the 18-year-old victim on Omegle, the now defunct online chat platform that randomly paired strangers online for virtual chats and video conferencing. When the victim met Persaud, she was undomiciled and sleeping in New York City subways in Manhattan.

Persaud claimed that he helped people who were without homes and offered the victim clean clothes, a shower, food, and a place to sleep. He picked the victim up in Manhattan the same day and drove her to a parking lot in Shirley, where he parked next to a broken-down car. Persaud told the victim to put her things in the car and informed her that she would be sleeping there with him. The victim, who had no friends, family or contacts in Suffolk County, complied. The next day, Persaud began to force the victim to engage in sexual acts with strangers in exchange for money which he kept for himself.

On September 1, 2023, while Persaud was not in her presence, the victim contacted Polaris, the National Human Trafficking hotline, to ask for help. Polaris immediately reached out to the Suffolk County Police Department, and officers were dispatched to recover the victim. The Human Trafficking Investigations Unit of the SCPD began an investigation with the DA’s Hate Crimes, Elder Abuse, Anti-Bias, Human Trafficking unit (H.E.A.T.) and arrested Persaud shortly thereafter.

On October 25, 2024, Persaud pleaded guilty to the following charges before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis:

  •   One count of Sex Trafficking (by force), a Class B violent felony;
  •   One count of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   Three counts of Sex Trafficking, a Class B felony;
  •   One count of Promoting Prostitution in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   One count of Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree, a Class D felony; and
  •   One count of Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, a Class E felony.

    On December 11, 2024, Persaud was sentenced to 12 years in prison followed by 20 years of post- release supervision. He was represented by Jason Bassett, Esq.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Veronica McMahon of the of the Hate Crimes, Elder Abuse, Anti-Bias, and Human Trafficking (H.E.A.T.) Unit, and the investigation conducted by Detectives John Paul O’Connor and Joseph Collins of the Human Trafficking Investigations Unit of the Suffolk County Police Department.

To report suspicious activity or get help, contact:  911

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office H.E.A.T. Tipline at 631-852-2950.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline, operated by the Polaris Project at 1-888-373-

7888 or text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733.

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

Paul Albinagorta Allegedly Stabbed his Co-Worker Multiple Times

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Paul Albinagorta, 34, of Central Islip, was indicted for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, for allegedly stabbing his co-worker on the job.

“This defendant allegedly committed a shocking act of workplace violence, attacking an unsuspecting worker from behind during a routine moment of food preparation,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will work diligently to ensure that the victim and public are protected from further violence.”

According to the investigation, on November 24,  at about 11 a.m., Albinagorta, an employee of Gino’s of Nesconset, allegedly stabbed a co-worker with a hunting knife as the employee was preparing a pizza. Albinagorta allegedly approached the co-worker from behind and without warning stabbed him in his side multiple times. The defendant then allegedly chased the victim and several other co-workers out of the store while threatening them.

Albinagorta was arrested at the scene. Suffolk Police officers recovered the knife allegedly used in the attack along with a sheath for the knife. The victim was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital and underwent emergency surgery for his injuries. An investigation revealed that the night prior to the attack, Albinagorta went to the Walmart in Islandia and purchased the knife allegedly used for the attack.

On December 5, Albinagorta was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei for the following charges:

  •   One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   One count of Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony; and
  •   One count of Menacing in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

    Justice Mazzei ordered Albinagorta be held on $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $2,500,000 partially secured bond, during the pendency of the case. Albinagorta is due back in court on January 7, 2025, and faces 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Ira Weissman, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kieran R. Rogers of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Marissa Demeo of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth Squad.

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Photo from Suffolk D.A.'s office

Michael Tenedine Poached Protected Black Sea Bass without a License

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Nov. 15 that Michael Tenedine, 58, of East Haven, Connecticut, was found guilty after a trial of Operating a Charter Vessel without a Permit and Illegal Possession of Black Sea Bass for poaching and possessing Black Sea Bass, a protected species due to overfishing. The trial conviction comes as District Attorney Tierney ramps up his “Everblue Initiative” – a collaboration with state and local law enforcement to protect the more than 60% of Suffolk County square mileage that is water.

Photo from Suffolk County D.A’.s office

“We have a duty to protect Suffolk County’s vital ecosystems from disrespect and ruin,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My Everblue Initiative will ensure that future generations will enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, and exploring all that this county has to offer. This conviction is the latest example of what happens to those who selfishly seek to profit off of our natural heritage.”

The evidence at trial established that in June 2024, Tenedine captained the Connecticut-based charter vessel “Lucky Hook” from Connecticut into New York with a group of customer-fares on board. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Police found Tenedine circling in New York waters in the Long Island Sound near Mattituck.

The DEC determined that Tenedine was operating a charter vessel without a New York license, and, at the time of their boarding, was found to be in the unlawful possession of 30 Black Sea Bass during a closed season. As a result of extensive overfishing, the possession of Black Sea Bass is prohibited by law during certain times of the year to ensure the survival of the species.

On November 13, Tenedine was convicted of Operating a Charter Vessel Without a Permit and Unlawful Possession of Black Sea Bass after a bench trial heard before Southold Town Justice Court Judge Eileen Powers. Both charges are violations under the New York Environmental Conservation Law. Tenedine was sentenced to maximum fines and surcharges totaling over $3,250, which will go directly into the state’s conservation fund.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Williams of the Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team, with investigative assistance from members of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

To report illegal fishing activity, please visit SuffolkCountyNY.gov/DA and follow the prompt to report environmental crimes on the “Contact Us” screen.

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