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Alleged Drug-Dealing Trio From Mastic Beach, Wading River, Riverhead Nabbed After Probe
Three accused drug dealers are facing charges after community complaints of street-level narcotics sales led to an investigation on Long Island.
Over the past two months, Riverhead Police say detectives received reports on the alleged activity in Riverhead in the area of Peconic Crossing on West Main Street.
The probe led to the arrest of Wani Turner, age 49, of Mastic Beach, Damion Walker, age 46, of Wading River, and Monwell Wright, age 30, of Riverhead. Turner and Walker are prior felony offenders, police say.
They were each charged with both misdemeanor and felony charg…
New Update: Man Killed In Sunrise Highway Crash Involving Impaired Driver, Police Say
This story has been updated.
Details have been released after a fatal crash involving an allegedly impaired driver led to the hours-long closure of a stretch of Sunrise Highway.
Sunrise Highway (Route 27) was closed in East Quogue eastbound at Exit 64 for several hours Thursday morning, June 8.
New York State Police say that a preliminary investigation revealed a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, driven by George Hackett, age 52, of Wading River, struck the rear of a 2010 Nissan Armada, driven by Franklin Blake, age 81, of Jamaica, Queens.
The impact caused the Nissan to exit the roadway, over…
LI Firefighter Impersonated Nypd Officer, Doubled Down On Lie When Caught, DA Says
A former volunteer firefighter on Long Island is facing criminal charges for allegedly impersonating an NYPD officer and then doubling down on her lie when confronted by superiors, authorities said.
Mary Ortega, age 46, of Wading River, was arrested and charged with criminal impersonation and other charges in Suffolk County Court on Wednesday, Jan. 25.
Prosecutors said Ortega, who volunteered at the Wading River Fire Department, reported for shifts and responded to at least one fire call while dressed in an NYPD uniform, despite not actually being a police officer.
She was reportedly foun…
Retired Suffolk County Judge Dies At Age 60, Remembered As 'Role Model For Many'
A retired Suffolk County judge who died at the age of 60 is being remembered as an inspiration to others.
Theresa Whelan died on Monday, Dec. 26, Suffolk County Women's Bar Association announced.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Whelan, her two adult children, Erin and Joe, and her granddaughter, Andrea.
The organization reported that Whelan served as the Women's Bar Association president from 2002 through 2003 and said she "was a fierce advocate and supporter of our organization, accomplished jurist, loving wife and mother, and will be truly missed by all whose lives she touche…
18 Alleged Suffolk County Gang Members Charged After Investigation Into Murder, Robberies
Eighteen people are facing charges in a 148-count indictment following a long-term investigation into gang-related robberies, thefts, and a murder committed on Long Island.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced the indictment of alleged members of the "No Fake Love" gang, also known as "NFL," on Monday, Dec. 12.
Tierney said the investigation involved 31 separate incidents, including the murder of Jorge Mauricio Sevilla Barrera in December of 2021.
Authorities also investigated six shootings, six armed robberies, the recovery of eight loaded handguns, and the grand lar…
Long Island Woman Sentenced For Conspiring To Distribute Drugs, Firearm Possession
A Long Island woman was sentenced for conspiring to distribute drugs, including fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Amber Schatz, age 33, of Wading River, was sentenced on Thursday, Dec. 9, to 10 years in prison, according to Breon Peace, United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
She pleaded guilty to the charges in May.
In January of 2020, Schatz and her boyfriend Curtis Prussick conspired to distribute "large quantities of narcotics," the Attorney's Office reported.
Investigators determined that Schatz and Prussick sold drugs…
Man Accused Of Attempting To Rob Suffolk County Speedway, Police Say
A 30-year-old man is facing charges after police said he attempted to rob a Long Island gas station.
Police received a report of an attempted robbery at Speedway gas, located at 6305 Route 25A in Wading River, at about 8:15 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12, according to the Riverhead Police Department.
When investigators arrived at the gas station, they determined that the man entered the business, demanded cash from an employee and took an item without paying.
The man, identified as John Marchese, of Coram, was located a short distance away, police said.
Marchese was charged with third…