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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

Frank Saggio, Police Officer George Trimigliozzi, Islip Teacher Steven Arey, and Dana Ciardullo Allegedly Operated Two Brothels in Suffolk County Over a Period of Four Years

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Oct. 15 the indictment of FRANK SAGGIO, GEORGE TRIMIGLIOZZI, STEVEN AREY, and DANA CIARDULLO, accused of Enterprise Corruption and Promoting Prostitution, among other charges, for allegedly running multiple brothels in Suffolk County.

“It is a sad day in law enforcement when a public servant is arrested. However, I made a commitment to this County that no one is above the law, and that includes those who are supposed to embody the best of public service,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The allegations in this indictment describe a long-term pattern of organized criminal activity and a shocking betrayal of public trust.”

According to the years-long investigation, between October 2019 and June 2024, SAGGIO was allegedly the leader of a criminal enterprise that profited from the systematic promotion of prostitution at two locations in Suffolk County.

Members of the alleged Saggio Prostitution Enterprise include TRIMIGLIOZZI, an 18-year veteran of the Suffolk County Police Department; AREY, a 26-year employee of the Islip School District; and CIARDULLO, SAGGIO’s girlfriend.

Each of the criminal defendants are alleged to have unlawfully promoted prostitution by hiring sex workers, collecting proceeds of prostitution from sex workers known as “house fees,” and posting advertisements seeking patrons of prostitution. TRIMIGLIOZZI and AREY allegedly served as managers on SAGGIO’s behalf at a building located on Sunrise Highway in Holbrook known as the American Girls Spa “Suite 3.” The Sunrise Highway building also contained two additional brothels allegedly managed by SAGGIO: Spa “Suite 4” and Reiki for Healing “Suite 5.” CIARDULLO, the fourth member of the alleged criminal enterprise, served as a manager on SAGGIO’s behalf at a location in West Babylon known as the Tunnel of Love.

The investigation further uncovered that an alleged robbery occurred at the American Girls Spa on March 19, 2021. TRIMIGLIOZZI, in his capacity as a manager of the brothel, was called by a sex worker who reported a customer had been robbed while waiting for prostitution services at the American Girls Spa. The sex worker further notified TRIMIGLIOZZI that police officers would be dispatched to the location in response to the prostitution customer’s call to 911. TRIMIGLIOZZI, who was on duty as a police officer at the time, allegedly abandoned his assigned post in the Third Precinct without permission from the police department and drove at a speed nearing 90 miles per hour in his marked patrol car to the brothel in Holbrook, which was located in the confines of the Fifth Precinct. He then allegedly falsified paperwork with the police department in which he did not disclose his unauthorized response to the American Girls Spa in Holbrook. He also allegedly falsified the records of the police department by not disclosing to the department his outside employment as a manager in SAGGIO’s alleged criminal enterprise.

SAGGIO was also indicted on two counts of Sex Trafficking related to his alleged requirement that sex workers engage in prostitution in order to pay him a minimum amount of money each month. Specifically, he allegedly had sex workers who could not read or speak in English sign purported leases which required them to (1) pay $6,000 per month at Suite 4, and (2) $12,000 per month at Tunnel of Love.

On October 15, 2024, the defendants were each arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei.

SAGGIO, 60, of West Islip, is charged with:

  •   One count of Enterprise Corruption, a Class B felony;
  •   Two counts of Sex Trafficking, a Class B felony; and
  •   51 counts of Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree, a Class D felony.

    Justice Mazzei ordered SAGGIO held on $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond or $5,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. SAGGIO is due back in court on December 9, 2024, and faces 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is represented by Anthony LaPinta, Esq.

    TRIMIGLIOZZI, 55, of Islip, is charged with:

  •   One count of Enterprise Corruption, a Class B felony;
  •   13 counts of Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree, Class D felonies;
  •   Two counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, Class E felonies;
  •   One count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a Class E felony;

    and

  •   One count of Official Misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor.

    Justice Mazzei ordered TRIMIGLIOZZI held on $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond or $500,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. TRIMIGLIOZZI is due back in court on December 9, 2024, and faces 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is represented by William Keahon, Esq.

    AREY, 53, of Islip, is charged with:

  •   One count of Enterprise Corruption, a Class B felony; and
  •   27 counts of Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree, Class D felonies.

    Justice Mazzei ordered AREY held $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond or $500,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case.

AREY is due back in court on December 9, 2024, and faces 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is represented by William Wexler, Esq.

CIARDULLO, 32, of North Bellmore, is charged with:

  •   One count of Enterprise Corruption, a Class B felony; and
  •   17 counts of Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree, Class D felonies.

    Justice Mazzei ordered CIARDULLO held $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond or $500,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. CIARDULLO is due back in court on December 9, 2024, and faces 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. She is represented by Jan Goldman, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Laura de Oliveira and Bureau Chief Kevin Ward of the Public Corruption Bureau. The investigation was conducted by investigators assigned to the District Attorney’s Public Corruption Squad.

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Noah Green

Noah Green Was Arrested Three Weeks After the 2022 Shooting as a Result of a Joint Investigation by DA Tierney’s Gang Task Force and SCPD Detectives

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Oct. 15 that Noah Green, 20, of Shirley, was sentenced to 12 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty to Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, and other related charges, for shooting at three people, striking two of them in the chest, in front of former United States Congressman Lee Zeldin’s home in October 2022. Green was one of 18 defendants indicted in December 2022 following a long-term investigation into violence committed by a criminal street organization, “No Fake Love.”

“This was a horrific act of gang-related violence that put innocent lives at risk. The defendant’s decision to open fire on a residential neighborhood, with two young girls inside the home he shot towards, demonstrates a complete disregard for human life,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the diligent work of law enforcement, justice has been served with a lengthy 12-year prison sentence. We must continue to address the root causes of gang violence in our communities and provide young people with positive alternatives to curtail such senseless acts.”

As established by the investigation and the defendant’s plea allocution, on October 9, 2022, Green left his home with another individual and got into a stolen 2022 Honda CRV. While Green was driving the vehicle, they encountered three rival gang members walking down the street in front of the residence of then-United States Congressman Lee Zeldin. Green shot out of the vehicle multiple times, striking two of the individuals in the chest. Both men survived.

During the shooting, Congressman Zeldin’s daughters were inside the residence doing homework. Afterwards, Green boasted on social media and through other electronic communications about committing the shooting to alleged fellow gang members. During the course of the conspiracy, Green would frequently post his gang affiliation on social media accounts, post photos and videos of himself and other gang members with weapons and stolen vehicles and would utilize social media as a way to taunt and challenge rivals.

On October 31, 2022, at approximately 1:00 p.m., law enforcement was conducting surveillance when they observed Green leave his residence in Shirley and enter the driver’s seat of the stolen 2022 Honda CRV. Members of law enforcement then approached Green, who immediately exited the stolen vehicle and began running away in an attempt to evade apprehension. Green jumped onto the hood and roof of a law enforcement vehicle causing damage to both. During the course of their pursuit, Green continuously refused to comply with the officers’ commands and began reaching for his pants pocket, where law enforcement later recovered a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol with a high-capacity magazine. A microscopic examination of the firearm revealed that this was the same pistol Green had used to commit the October 9th shooting outside of Congressman Zeldin’s home. Additionally, a search of the 2022 Honda CRV revealed that shell casings from the October 9th shooting were still lodged between the windshield and the hood of the vehicle.

On September 12, 2024, Green pleaded guilty to the following charges before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr.:

  •   Three counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Class B violent felonies;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent

    felonies; and

  •   One count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony.

On October 15, 2024, Justice Senft sentenced Green to 12 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He was represented by Chad LaVeglia, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Martha Duffy and Donald Barclay of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau. The overall investigation into the No Fake Love gang was conducted by District Attorney Investigator Jean Graf of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Gang Task Force, and the investigation into the October 2022 shooting was conducted Detective Michael Yonelunas of the Suffolk County Police Department.

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Items including drugs and money seized from Remon Gibson's Bellport home. Photo from Suffolk County D.A.

The Amount of Fentanyl Seized by the District Attorney’s Task Force Could Have Killed 3.5 Million People

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Oct. 11 that Remon Gibson, 43, of Bellport, was indicted for Operating as a Major Trafficker, and other related charges, after law enforcement allegedly uncovered 33 pounds of illegal narcotics, including approximately 7 kilograms of fentanyl and 8 kilograms of cocaine in his home.

“The amount of deadly narcotics seized in this operation is staggering. There was enough Fentanyl here to kill every man, woman, and child on Long Island,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This case underscores our unwavering commitment to dismantling drug operations that threaten our communities.”

According to the investigation, on September 25, 2024, members of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and Police Department, assigned to the District Attorney’s Fentanyl Task Force, executed a search warrant at 5 Sunburst Lane in Bellport. The search allegedly yielded approximately 7 kilograms of fentanyl, over 8 kilograms of cocaine in brick form, about half a kilogram of xylazine, and various types of drug paraphernalia. Additionally, authorities allegedly seized around $80,000 in cash, a drug ledger, and kilo presses, including one with plates used for bricks of fentanyl and cocaine, stamped “COVID 19.”

Notably, a large quantity of fentanyl was allegedly discovered on a nightstand in Gibson’s bedroom, adjacent to a room occupied by his two minor children. Cocaine was also allegedly found hidden in a trap behind a backyard shed.

  •   One count of Operating as a Major Trafficker, a Class A-I felony;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, Class

    A-I felonies;

  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class

    B felonies;

  •   Three counts of the Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, Class A misdemeanors; and
  •   Two counts of Endangering Welfare of a Child, Class A misdemeanors.

    Justice Ambro ordered Gibson held on $200,000 cash, $800,000 bond or $2,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Gibson is due back in court on November 8, 2024, and faces a minimum of 15 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by George Duncan, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Saam Jalayer of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Damian Torres of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Fentanyl Task Force.

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Brian Cordovano

Brian Cordovano Expected to be Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Oct. 9 that Brian Cordovano, 50, of Ronkonkoma, pleaded guilty to two counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree, and other related charges, for killing two men – Ian Saalfield, 45, of Lake Grove, and Robert Julian, 59, of Selden, in April 2022.

“Today, Brian Cordovano pleaded guilty to killing Ian Saalfield and Robert Julian in a selfish and inexplicable act of violence,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I hope that this plea provides a measure of comfort to the victims’ families and friends as they continue to mourn these unnecessary and tragic losses. With this conviction, the victim’s families will be spared the further pain and anxiety of a trial, while ensuring that the community is protected from any further crimes by this defendant.”

On April 26, 2022, Saalfield was reported missing by his wife. She advised police that she last saw her husband the day before with Cordovano, his childhood friend. Saalfield’s wife saw her husband leave their home with Cordovano at approximately 8:00 p.m., when he drove off in Saalfield’s white 2015 Lexus. Saalfield never returned home.

A few days later, on May 2, 2022, law enforcement found Saalfield’s Lexus abandoned in a parking lot in Holtsville. On that same day, police responded to a call from a Ronkonkoma motel where Cordovano was suffering from an overdose.

While Cordovano was being transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, the Suffolk County Police Department was able to link a silver 2004 Toyota Corolla left in the motel parking lot to Cordovano. A registration check revealed that the car belonged to Robert Julian. Police responded to Julian’s home and found the bodies of Saalfield and Julian inside, each dead due to gunshot wounds to the head. Investigators later determined that Cordovano killed the two on April 25, 2022.

On October 9, 2024, Cordovano pleaded guilty before County Court Judge Stephen L. Braslow, to:

  •   Two counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies;
  •   Three counts of Robbery in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies; and
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent

    felonies.

    Cordovano is due back in court for sentencing on November 20, 2024, and faces an agreed-upon sentence of 30 years in prison. He is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Schroeder of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Repperger of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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Alexander Castillo

Alexander Castillo Was Convicted by a Jury in August

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Oct. 4 that Alexander Castillo, 27, of the Bronx, was sentenced to 18 years in prison, following his trial conviction of Assault, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and other related charges. Castillo had shot two men following a dispute at a Port Jefferson pool hall in December 2022.

“With this sentence, we want the public to know that we are holding perpetrators of violent crimes accountable,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The defendant attempted to settle a petty financial dispute with a gun but instead will be spending the next 18 years in prison.”

The evidence at trial established that on December 28, 2022, Castillo played pool for several hours at a pool hall in Port Jefferson. Over the course of the evening, Castillo placed wagers on each game which resulted in mounting financial losses. At approximately 7:05 p.m., Castillo left the pool hall and returned approximately three minutes later wearing a ski mask and hat and carrying a loaded firearm. Castillo attempted to take back his losses from his opponent by displaying the loaded firearm and demanding the money.

A struggle ensued where Castillo’s opponent and another male tried to wrestle the gun away from Castillo. When the struggle spilled out onto the street, Castillo shot one man in the groin area and shot a second man in the chest.

Castillo fled the scene before the police arrived. Both victims were taken to local hospitals and received emergency medical treatment for their injuries.

On February 10, 2023, members of the Suffolk County Police Department arrested Castillo in Manhattan.

On August 23, 2024, Castillo was convicted after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro for the following charges:

  •   Two counts of Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent

    felonies;

  •   One count of Criminal Use of a Firearm in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony;
  •   Four counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Class D violent felonies;
  •   One count of Attempted Robbery in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D felony; and
  •   One count of Petit Larceny, a Class A misdemeanor.

    On October 3, 2024, Justice Ambro sentenced Castillo to 18 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He was represented by Ian Fitzgerald, Esq.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Melissa Turk and Ken Collado of the Violent Crimes Enterprises Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Martin Lupo of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Squad.

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Jose Martinez-Vazquez and Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera

Jose Martinez-Vazquez Sentenced to 20 to Life for Killing Benjamin Flores-Mendez and Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera Sentenced to 15 to Life for Acting as a Lookout

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Oct. 7 that Jose Martinez-Vazquez, 25, and Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera, 21, both of Port Jefferson Station, have been sentenced for their respective roles in the fatal stabbing of Benjamin Flores- Mendez, 39, also of Port Jefferson Station. Martinez-Vazquez pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, for fatally stabbing Flores-Mendez. Diaz-Cabrera pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, for acting as a look out while the stabbing took place.

“The lengthy prison terms handed down to both defendants reflect the severity of their actions and our commitment to public safety,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This brutal attack on our greenway trail – a place meant for recreation and community gathering – shook our citizens to the core. With these sentences, we hope to restore a sense of security to our public spaces and deter future acts of violence.”

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

on June 17, 2021, Martinez-Vasquez and Diaz-Cabrera followed the victim into the Port Jefferson Station entrance of the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail.

Martinez-Vazquez admitted to fatally stabbing the victim multiple times while Diaz-Cabrera, Martinez-Vazquez’s girlfriend, served as his lookout. The victim was later discovered lying in the entrance of the trail by Good Samaritans.

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

On July 25, 2024, Martinez-Vazquez pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony. On August 28, 2024, Martinez-Vazquez was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. He was represented by John Halverson, Esq.

On April 22, 2024, Diaz-Cabrera pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony. On October 7, 2024, Diaz-Cabrera was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. She was represented by Luigi Belcastro, Esq.

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

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Alfred Balcerak III

Alfred Balcerak III Allegedly Gained Access to a Homeless Shelter by Falsely Claiming that He Was an Employee for the Department of Social Services

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Oct. 4 the indictment of Alfred Balcerak III, 65, of Deer Park, for Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person in the First Degree, Forcible Touching, and other related charges, for allegedly impersonating a housing specialist from the Department of Social Servies and sexually abusing a resident of a homeless shelter.

“The allegations against the defendant are extremely troubling,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Crimes that target the homeless and mentally disabled are particularly heinous, as these victims are often isolated and lack the resources to defend themselves.”

According to the investigation, on September 6, 2024, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Balcerak allegedly told security at a homeless shelter in East Farmingdale that he was from the Department of Social Services and was there to provide information on potential housing services to residents of the shelter. Balcerak provided an expired New York State driver’s license and his insurance card as identification and allegedly signed his name onto a visitor sheet listing himself as an employee from the Department of Social Services.

Once inside the shelter, Balcerak allegedly asked security if there were any males between the ages of 18 to 22 years old who needed housing assistance.

Balcerak was introduced to the disabled victim. Once inside the room, Balcerak allegedly held himself out to be a home health aide, cleaned the room and offered to assist the disabled victim with showering.

Once the showering began, Balcerak allegedly touched the victim while making sexually explicit comments. The disabled victim told Balcerak to stop. When Balcerak left the residence, he allegedly took the disabled victim’s cell phone with him.

On September 13, 2024, Balcerak was located by members of the Suffolk County Police Department at his home in Deer Park and arrested.

On October 3, 2024, Alfred Balcerak III was arraigned on the indictment before, Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis for the following charges contained in the indictment:

  •   Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person in the First Degree, a Class E felony;
  •   Forcible Touching, a Class A misdemeanor;
  •   Petit Larceny, a Class A misdemeanor;
  •   Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor;
  •   Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, a Class B misdemeanor.

Justice Wilutis ordered Balcerak held on $150,000 cash, $500,000 bond or $1,000,000 partially secured bond. Balcerak is due back in court on October 24, 2024. He is being represented by Matthew Tuohy, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kapish Barry of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Maria Acevedo from the Suffolk County Police Department’s Special Victims Section and Detective Alexander Seda from the Suffolk County Police Department’s First Squad Detective Section.

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David Wilson Pleaded Guilty in April

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Oct. 2 that David Wilson, 42, of Coram, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty in April to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree. Wilson had been found in possession of a loaded pistol modified to function as a machine gun and several ounces of cocaine.

“A drug dealer with an illegally modified firearm poses a clear threat to public safety,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Anyone who brings dangerous drugs and illegal weapons into our community will be caught and prosecuted. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to get these illegal substances and firearms off our streets.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, during the early morning hours of March 3, 2023, members of the Suffolk County Police Department executed a search warrant at Wilson’s home in Coram. Wilson was found in possession of eight ounces of cocaine, a loaded pistol modified to function as a machine gun with an extended magazine, packaging materials, a digital scale, and more than $11,000 in cash.1

David Wilson had been previously convicted of several narcotics and weapons related felonies in January 2016, including Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony.

Additionally, in August 2004, Wilson was convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a Class E felony. In June 2003, Wilson was convicted of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony.

On April 5, 2024, Wilson 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 Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz.

On October 2, 2024, Justice Horowitz sentenced Wilson to 10 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision. He was represented by George Duncan, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Wickers of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by the Suffolk County Police Department’s Narcotics Section.

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Leo Flores-Gracias

Leo Flores-Gracias Pleaded Guilty in June to Driving While Intoxicated Which Caused a Head-On Collision that Killed His Passenger, Marlon Nunez-Cuellar

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 30 that Leo Flores-Gracias, 26, of Huntington Station, was sentenced to 4 to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to Aggravated Vehicular Homicide and other related charges, for driving while intoxicated and crashing head-on into another vehicle, killing his own passenger, Marlon Nunez-Cuellar, 25, of Huntington Station.

“This defendant was under the influence of alcohol and made the choice to drive himself and his friends home from a party. That selfish disregard for the safety of others lead to the tragic death of his own friend, Marlon Nunez-Cuellar,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We hope that the sentence imposed today provides comfort to the victim’s family who have been dealing with the devastating impacts of this defendant’s actions and serves as a reminder not to jeopardize the lives of others by choosing to drive under the influence.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on July 4, 2023, at approximately 8:06 p.m., Flores-Gracias and three others left a party where he had been drinking alcohol. All four individuals got into Flores-Gracias’ 2017 Honda Accord. Flores- Gracias began driving northbound on Sweet Hollow Road in Huntington and crashed head-on into a vehicle that was driving southbound.

An extraction of the vehicle’s event data recorder revealed that Flores-Gracias was travelling 72 mph just one second before the impact, on a roadway where the posted speed limit is 30 mph.

Nunez-Cuellar, one of Flores-Gracias’ passengers, was transported to Plainview Hospital where he was pronounced dead from injuries he sustained in the crash.

When police officers arrived at the scene, they observed Flores-Gracias exhibiting signs of intoxication and placed him under arrest. Flores-Gracias consented to a blood draw upon request by police. Subsequent toxicology testing of his blood revealed that Flores-Gracias’ blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was .14%. Additionally, a sample of Flores-Gracias’ blood taken by hospital staff was also seized pursuant to a search warrant. Toxicology testing of that blood sample, taken at a different time than the sample taken by police, revealed Flores-Gracias’ BAC was .19%, more than two times the legal limit. While executing a search warrant of Flores-Gracias’ vehicle, law enforcement found an open 12-pack of beer containing one remaining full bottle in the trunk.

On June 6, 2024, Flores-Gracias pleaded guilty to the following charges before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro:

 Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a Class B felony;
 Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
 Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, an Unclassified misdemeanor; and  Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor.

On September 30, 2024, Justice Ambro sentenced Flores Gracias to 4 to 12 years in prison. He was represented by Adaline Arvello, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys James McCormack and Emma Henry of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Valentin Rosado of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit.

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Dakota Rose

Dakota Rose to Receive Maximum Sentence  of 7 to 15 Years in Prison and 10 Years of Post-Release Supervision

 Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on oct. 1 that Dakota Rose, 25, of East Northport, pleaded guilty to Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, for sexually abusing a three-year-old child while videotaping the abuse and further disseminating the video.

“This defendant sexually exploited a young child and thought he could get away with it,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the tipster who reported this vile criminal activity to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), this defendant will be held responsible for his crimes and a young victim will be spared from having to testify at trial.”

According to court documents and Rose’s admissions during the guilty plea allocution, on February 17, 2024, the Suffolk County Police Department Digital Forensics Unit received a tip from the NCMEC that alleged that child sexual abuse material was disseminated via social media from a residential location in East Northport. Further investigation led law enforcement to Rose’s home.

On March 12, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Rose’s home, leading to the seizure of numerous electronic devices. Investigators were able to identify both Rose and the toddler from the disseminated video on one of the seized electronic devices.

The investigation further resulted in the discovery of two additional videos of child pornography on Rose’s phone and it was determined that Rose exchanged all three videos with other individuals through both social media and text messages, including on at least one occasion in exchange for money.

On September 30, 2024, Rose pleaded guilty to Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance, a Class C felony, and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D Violent felony, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis.

Rose is due back in court on November 14, 2024, and is being represented by Scott Zerner, Esq. Rose is expected to receive a sentence of 7 to 15 years in prison with 10 years of post-release supervision.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tara Laterza of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Gregory Pranzo of the Suffolk County Police Department Digital Forensics Unit.

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