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Joyce Smith

DA: Nassau Man Indicted For Hit-Run Crash That Killed Nicki Minaj's Father DA: Nassau Man Indicted For Hit-Run Crash That Killed Nicki Minaj's Father
DA: Nassau Man Indicted For Hit-Run Crash That Killed Nicki Minaj's Father A Long Island man has been indicted for his role in a deadly hit-and-run crash that took the life of pop star Nicki Minaj’s father, the District Attorney announced. Mineola resident Charles Polevich, age 71, has been indicted for leaving the scene of a deadly pedestrian strike after he struck and killed Robert Maraj in February. Original story - Man Charged For Hit-Run NY Crash That Killed Nicki Minaj's Father Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith said that on Friday, Feb. 12, Polevich allegedly struck Maraj, age 64, at the intersection of Roslyn Road and Raff Avenue in M…
Ex-LI Pharmaceutical Company Worker Accused Of Embezzling More Than $1.38M Ex-LI Pharmaceutical Company Worker Accused Of Embezzling More Than $1.38M
Ex-LI Pharmaceutical Company Worker Accused Of Embezzling More Than $1.38M A former bookkeeper for a New York pharmaceutical company is facing a host of charges after being busted embezzling more than a million dollars from her former employer, authorities announced. Long Island resident Maria Porras, age 32, of Massapequa Park, a former office manager for the now-defunct Port Washington-based RXUSA in Nassau County, was arraigned on an 11-count indictment for allegedly stealing more than $1.38 million from three affiliated businesses tied to her boss. Specifically, Porras was charged with: Three counts of second-degree grand larceny; Four counts of criminal t…
Long Island Man Sentenced For DWI Crash That Seriously Injured Woman In Nassau County Long Island Man Sentenced For DWI Crash That Seriously Injured Woman In Nassau County
Long Island Man Sentenced For DWI Crash That Seriously Injured Woman In Nassau County A Suffolk County man will spend years in prison after admitting to driving while under the influence of multiple drugs and speeding before crashing and leaving his passenger with serious injuries in Nassau County, the DA announced. Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith announced on Friday, Dec. 3 that East Setauket resident William Byrus, age 29, has been sentenced to a term of between three-and-a-half to six years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges in September. Specifically, Byrus pleaded guilty to: Aggravated vehicular assault; Assault; Driving while impa…
Woman Charged With Stealing $1 Million Lotto Prize From Nassau Relative Woman Charged With Stealing $1 Million Lotto Prize From Nassau Relative
Woman Charged With Stealing $1 Million Lotto Prize From Nassau Relative A woman is facing charges for allegedly stealing a million-dollar winning New York State Lottery ticket from her cousin on Long Island, authorities said. Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith and the Glen Cove Police Department announced that a Texas woman was arrested and charged on Tuesday, Nov. 9 with stealing more than $500,000 in prize money from her family member, who had asked her to claim a winning New York State Lottery scratch-off ticket because he wanted to remain anonymous. It is further alleged that Houston, Texas resident Iris Amador Argueta, age 32, used forged …
Nassau County Man Sentenced For Fatally Stabbing Sister's Boyfriend, DA Says Nassau County Man Sentenced For Fatally Stabbing Sister's Boyfriend, DA Says
Nassau County Man Sentenced For Fatally Stabbing Sister's Boyfriend, DA Says A Long Island man has been sentenced for fatally stabbing his sister's boyfriend in 2018. Roy Christmas, age 40, of Hempstead, was sentenced on Wednesday, Oct. 27, to 19 years in prison in the death of William Pinckney, according to Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith. Christmas pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on Wednesday, Sept. 15, Smith said.  “William Pinckney was a loving father who was senselessly stabbed to death when he came to the aid of his girlfriend after she was punched by her brother,” Smith said. “This was a truly senseless killing a…
Hempstead Man Admits To Murdering Mom, Sister, Family Friend With Hammer Hempstead Man Admits To Murdering Mom, Sister, Family Friend With Hammer
Hempstead Man Admits To Murdering Mom, Sister, Family Friend With Hammer A Long Island man has pleaded guilty to murdering his mother, sister, and a family friend in an attack with a hammer.  Bobby Vanderhall, age 37, of Hempstead, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Oct. 26 to first-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder in the attack, according to acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith. “Bobby Vanderhall brutally attacked his mother, sister, and his sister’s friend in an act of family violence that tragically resulted in their deaths,” Smith said. “Our thoughts continue to be with the Vanderhall and Simpson families as they mourn their loved …
Former Hempstead Official Sentenced For Scamming Lender, Stealing $59K, DA Says Former Hempstead Official Sentenced For Scamming Lender, Stealing $59K, DA Says
Former Hempstead Official Sentenced For Scamming Lender, Stealing $59K, DA Says A former Long Island public official was sentenced for stealing $59,000 and scamming a commercial lender into granting him more than $1 million in loans. John Novello, the former deputy commissioner for the Town of Hempstead Buildings Department, was sentenced on Thursday, Sept. 30, to five years of probation, Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith announced. The 53-year-old Hewlett Harbor man also paid $41,000 in restitution to the Nassau County Republican Committee. Novello pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree grand larceny on Friday, July 23. “As public o…
Duo Indicted In Fatal July 4th Shooting At Nassau County Block Party Duo Indicted In Fatal July 4th Shooting At Nassau County Block Party
Duo Indicted In Fatal July 4th Shooting At Nassau County Block Party Two men are facing felony charges in a shooting during a block party on Long Island that left a man dead and injured two others. Michael Wright, age 34, and Lawrence Sims, age 29, from Roosevelt, were indicted by a grand jury on Friday, Aug. 13, according to an announcement from Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith on Monday, Sept. 27. Wright was arraigned on Monday, and Sims was arraigned on Friday, Sept. 10. “A traditional Fourth of July block party turned deadly when these two defendants – allegedly in a verbal argument – pulled guns and fired indiscriminately at one …
Man Sentenced For Murdering Co-Worker At Nassau County Shop Man Sentenced For Murdering Co-Worker At Nassau County Shop
Man Sentenced For Murdering Co-Worker At Nassau County Shop A 74-year-old man was sentenced for murdering his co-worker at a Long Island shop where they worked. Lawrence Grammer, of Glen Cove, was sentenced on Thursday, Sept. 23, to 25 years to life in prison in the August 2018 shooting death of 35-year-old Bashir "Bobby" Ward, Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith said. On June 3, Grammer was convicted of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, the DA's Office said.  An indictment reported that Grammer shot and killed Ward at about 11:20 a.m. on Aug. 4 of 2018 at the Citgo Gas Station/D&R …
Nassau County Man Sentenced For Strangling Wife To Death Nassau County Man Sentenced For Strangling Wife To Death
Nassau County Man Sentenced For Strangling Wife To Death A Long Island man was sentenced for strangling his wife to death in their home last year following an argument. John Gerges, age 61, of Merrick, was sentenced on Monday, Sept. 13, to 21 years in prison and five years post-release supervision. On Tuesday, July 20, John Gerges pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the death of 58-year-old Marvat Gerges, according to Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith. The DA's Office said the defendant strangled his wife on Feb. 22, 2020, following a 3 a.m. argument over the cleanliness of their home. Earlier report: Lo…
MS-13 Member Sentenced In Two Murders In Nassau County, DA Says MS-13 Member Sentenced In Two Murders In Nassau County, DA Says
MS-13 Member Sentenced In Two Murders In Nassau County, DA Says An MS-13 member was sentenced for helping plan and participating in two murders on Long Island. Kevin Lopez-Morales, age 23, of Roosevelt, was sentenced on Tuesday, Aug. 31, to 24 years to life in prison, Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith announced. Lopez-Morales pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder on Sept. 9, 2019. "Kevin Lopez-Morales and his co-defendants acted as friends to two young men but lured them to their deaths over perceived slights to MS-13,” Smith said. “MS-13 has left behind many grieving families on Long Island, but their attempts…
Nassau County Man Sentenced For MS-13 Murder Of 18-Year-Old At Park Nassau County Man Sentenced For MS-13 Murder Of 18-Year-Old At Park
Nassau County Man Sentenced For MS-13 Murder Of 18-Year-Old At Park A 20-year-old man has been sentenced for his role in the MS-13 murder of an 18-year-old at a Long Island park in 2016. Samuel Ponce, of Hempstead, was sentenced to nine years to life in prison for killing Bryan Steven Cho Lemus, of Uniondale, Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith announced. Ponce pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Monday, June 28. On Aug. 23 of 2016, Lemus was lured into the Massapequa Park Preserve, where he was killed with machetes by Ponce and other MS-13 members, Smith said. The DA's Office reported that Lemus' body was found by officers in a shall…
Nassau County Correction Officer Smuggled Contraband Into Jail, DA Says Nassau County Correction Officer Smuggled Contraband Into Jail, DA Says
Nassau County Correction Officer Smuggled Contraband Into Jail, DA Says A Long Island corrections officer has been arrested for allegedly smuggling contraband, including cigarettes and lighters, into an area correction center in exchange for bribes. Harris Ferro, age 35, who faces up to seven years in prison, was arrested on Friday, Aug. 20, on a 22-count indictment, said acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith.  “Officers who accept bribes and compromise the integrity of their position for personal financial gain threaten the safety of their fellow officers and undermine the County’s correction system,” said Smith.  According to the indic…
MS-13 Member Sentenced For Nassau County Murder Spree, DA Says MS-13 Member Sentenced For Nassau County Murder Spree, DA Says
MS-13 Member Sentenced For Nassau County Murder Spree, DA Says An MS-13 gang member from Long Island has been sentenced for his role in the murders of two people. Elmer Gutierrez, age 21, of Valley Stream, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison on Tuesday, Aug. 10, according to Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith. The DA's Office said Gutierrez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree conspiracy on June 24. “Elmer Gutierrez helped to orchestrate the murders of both Ian Cruz and Harold Sermeno and dealt the final blow in Sermeno’s murder, slicing his neck with a machete after the 17-year old was shot five times i…
Alleged MS-13 Member From Nassau County Sentenced In Machete Murder Of 19-Year-Old Alleged MS-13 Member From Nassau County Sentenced In Machete Murder Of 19-Year-Old
Alleged MS-13 Member From Nassau County Sentenced In Machete Murder Of 19-Year-Old An alleged member of the MS-13 gang from Long Island was sentenced for murdering a man with a machete in 2017 in the Massapequa Park Preserve. Antonio Cullal, age 26, of Hempstead, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for his role in the murder of 19-year-old Julio Cesar Espantzay-Gonzales. Cullal pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and second-degree conspiracy on June 15, , according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. “Antonio Cullal and other MS-13 gang members followed the orders they were given by the gang hierarchy and killed Julio Cesar Espantzay-Gonzales…
Nassau County Restaurant Owner Sentenced For Role In Extortion Scheme Nassau County Restaurant Owner Sentenced For Role In Extortion Scheme
Nassau County Restaurant Owner Sentenced For Role In Extortion Scheme A Long Island restaurant and bar owner has been sentenced for his involvement in soliciting more than $150,000 bribes from local restaurant owners.  William Mendez, age 50, of Elmont, was sentenced on Monday, Aug. 9 to one-and-a-third to four years in prison, according to Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith. Smith said Mendez pleaded guilty on March 15 to the following charges: Two counts of second-degree bribe receiving Two counts of second-degree grand larceny by means of extortion Fourth-degree conspiracy Two counts of second-degree tampering with public records&nbs…
DNA Match Leads To Arrest In Nassau County Restaurant Burglary DNA Match Leads To Arrest In Nassau County Restaurant Burglary
DNA Match Leads To Arrest In Nassau County Restaurant Burglary A DNA match has led to the arrest of a man for allegedly entering a Long Island restaurant and stealing hundreds of dollars from the register. Riqui Rodriguez, aka, Riqui Nunez, age 37, of Brooklyn, who is also suspected of other burglaries, was arraigned on  Thursday, Aug. 5, for charges of burglary and criminal mischief, said Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith.  Smith said, in July 2020, Rodriguez allegedly threw a brick through the window of the SeaFood House restaurant at 247 Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont and entered the restaurant illegally through th…
Westchester, Nassau, Manhattan DAs Join Albany In Requesting Info On Cuomo Probe From NY AG Westchester, Nassau, Manhattan DAs Join Albany In Requesting Info On Cuomo Probe From NY AG
Westchester, Nassau, Manhattan DAs Join Albany In Requesting Info On Cuomo Probe From NY AG The seat under Gov. Andrew Cuomo is getting hotter as downstate New York district attorneys seek information as they prepare their own investigations following the release of the State Attorney General's office report into sexual harassment claims made against him. DAs in Nassau, Manhattan, and Westchester counties have all sought information as Cuomo faces public and political backlash following the release of the blistering 165-page report, which found he allegedly did sexually harass at least 11 women, many of whom were state staffers. “We are reviewing the deeply disturbing findings of …
Two Charged In Gunfight At Nassau County Party That Killed One Two Charged In Gunfight At Nassau County Party That Killed One
Two Charged In Gunfight At Nassau County Party That Killed One Two men have been arraigned for their alleged roles in a Long Island gunfight that left one man dead at a Fourth of July party in 2020. An investigation found that Thomas Massenburg, age 20, from Brooklyn, fatally shot Rashawn Cummings at the party in 2020 on West Drive in Massapequa, Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith said. Cummings was pronounced dead at the scene.  Massenburg was arraigned on charges of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. …
Man Sentenced For Killing Mother In Nassau County Man Sentenced For Killing Mother In Nassau County
Man Sentenced For Killing Mother In Nassau County A Long Island man will spend nearly two decades behind bars after being sentenced for stabbing his mother dozens of times and assaulting his father over a workplace argument turned deadly, authorities announced. Syosset resident Ian Kazer, age 31, was sentenced to 16 years in prison following a trial for his mother’s killing and the attempted murder of his father at his parents’ home in 2019. Kazer was convicted in June in a bench trial of manslaughter, attempted murder, assault, and grand larceny. He was sentenced on Monday, July 19, acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith said.…
Five Alleged MS-13 Members Face Conspiracy Charges For 2017 Nassau Homicide Five Alleged MS-13 Members Face Conspiracy Charges For 2017 Nassau Homicide
Five Alleged MS-13 Members Face Conspiracy Charges For 2017 Nassau Homicide Five more alleged members of the MS-13 street gang on Long Island are facing charges for their roles in a 2017 murder, the District Attorney announced. Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith announced that five alleged MS-13 members have been arraigned on grand jury indictment charges of conspiracy for the August 2017 machete murder of Carlos Rivas-Majano, whose body was found in a wooded area along the Meadowbrook Parkway a year later. Related story - MS-13 Member Sentenced For Murders Of Teen, 22-Year-Old The latest charged with a felony count of second-degree conspiracy: …
Nassau 27-Year-Old Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Victim To Hotels, Motels Nassau 27-Year-Old Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Victim To Hotels, Motels
Nassau 27-Year-Old Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Victim To Hotels, Motels A Long Island man has been sentenced for forcing a victim to engage in prostitution at hotels and motels in Suffolk and Nassau counties over the course of two years.  Dominic Cunningham, age 27, of Roosevelt, had pleaded guilty to three felony sex trafficking counts, and charges of second-degree promoting prostitution, and third-degree intimidating a victim or witness, according to the Nassau County District Attorney.  He was sentenced on Friday, July 9 to seven years in prison and a maximum of five years of supervision after his release. He is also required to register as a …
MS-13 Member Admits To 2016 Machete Murder At Nassau County Preserve MS-13 Member Admits To 2016 Machete Murder At Nassau County Preserve
MS-13 Member Admits To 2016 Machete Murder At Nassau County Preserve An alleged 20-year-old MS-13 street gang member is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison for his role in the butchering machete murder of a man on Long Island in 2016. Hempstead resident Samuel Ponce, also known as “Little Chickie” pleaded guilty this week to second-degree murder for his role in the murder of a Uniondale teenager in the Massapequa Park Preserve in 2016. Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith said that the maximum sentence for Ponce is 15 years to life in prison because at the time of the murder he was 15 years old. Ponce is expected to be sentenced …
Nassau Woman Pleads Guilty In Crash That Killed Mother, Injured Son Nassau Woman Pleads Guilty In Crash That Killed Mother, Injured Son
Nassau Woman Pleads Guilty In Crash That Killed Mother, Injured Son A Long Island woman will spend years behind bars after admitting to her role in a high-speed crash on the Meadowbrook Parkway that killed a 39-year-old mother and injured her 8-year-old son. Freeport resident Nicole Pollock, age 28, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, June 16 to multiple counts of assault for allegedly drinking, doing drugs, driving, and rear-ending another driver last year, causing a fatal crash. Specifically, Pollock pleaded guilty in Nassau County Court to: Aggravated vehicular homicide; Manslaughter; Second-degree assault; Third-degree assault; Driving while ability impair…
MS-13 Member Admits To 2017 Murder In Nassau County Preserve MS-13 Member Admits To 2017 Murder In Nassau County Preserve
MS-13 Member Admits To 2017 Murder In Nassau County Preserve An alleged MS-13 gang member admitted to his role in luring a teen to a Long Island park with the promise of sex and drugs before butchering him to death with machetes, the District Attorney’s Office announced. Antonio Cullal, also known as “Duke” pleaded guilty on Tuesday, June 15 to multiple charges for his role in the 2017 murder of Julio Cesar Espantzay-Gonzales in the Massapequa Park Preserve. Related story - Two Alleged MS-13 Members Indicted, Five Others Charged For Massapequa Preserve Murder Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith said that Espantzay-Gonzales, who was 19…