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Central Islip, NY

Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries is hoping to delay his federal sex trafficking case. An attorney for the 80-year-old Jeffries filed a motion on Monday, Dec. 9, asking a Manhattan judge to schedule a hearing to determine whether Jeffries is mentally competent to stand trial. “[The motion] will be dealt with in court as, and when, appropriate – according to the judge,” Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, told Daily Voice. Federal prosecutors are expected to challenge the move, potentially delaying the case by months. An indictment unsealed in October accused Jeffries of pr…
Daughter Accused Of Stabbing Mother To Death In Quiet NY Neighborhood On Thanksgiving Eve Daughter Accused Of Stabbing Mother To Death In Quiet NY Neighborhood On Thanksgiving Eve
Daughter Accused Of Stabbing Mother To Death In Quiet NY Neighborhood On Thanksgiving Eve A woman has been apprehended after police say she stabbed her mother to death on Thanksgiving Eve in a quiet residential neighborhood on Long Island, police said. The incident happened just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, in Dix Hills. Suffolk County Police said officers responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing at the home on 2 Carman Court.  When they arrived, they found Josephine Bekatoros, age 84, dead from stab wounds inside the residence, said police. Detectives later arrested the victim’s daughter, 51-year-old Diana Bekatoros, at her home in Long Island City.  She…
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Forced Aspiring Models To Take Part In ‘Sex Events’ In NY, Feds Say Ex-Abercrombie CEO Forced Aspiring Models To Take Part In ‘Sex Events’ In NY, Feds Say
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Forced Aspiring Models To Take Part In ‘Sex Events’ In NY, Feds Say Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries preyed on aspiring models and coerced them into prostitution in order to satisfy his and others’ sexual desires, prosecutors alleged. The 80-year-old Jeffries – along with his life partner Matthew Smith and a third defendant, James Jacobson – are named in a 16-count sex trafficking indictment unsealed in Central Islip federal court on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Prosecutors said the trio relied on Jeffries’ wealth and status, along with a network of employees, contractors, and security professionals, to victimize dozens of men over a seven year peri…
26-Year-Old From Putnam County Nabbed For Reckless Driving After Doing Donuts: Police 26-Year-Old From Putnam County Nabbed For Reckless Driving After Doing Donuts: Police
26-Year-Old From Putnam County Nabbed For Reckless Driving After Doing Donuts: Police A Hudson Valley man has been accused of driving recklessly on Long Island. Suffolk County Police say they observed a purple 2023 Dodge Charger doing donuts in the hamlet of Shirley at around 1:40 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at the intersection of Montauk Highway and William Floyd Parkway. The vehicle stalled and the man left the vehicle and fled on foot. Following an investigation, officers determined the vehicle was a rental. Putnam County resident Anthony Bartoszewicz, age 26, of Mahopac, was located at 1491 William Floyd Parkway, at approximately 5:30 p.m. Monday,…
COVID-19: John Gotti's NY Grandson Admits To $1M Relief Fraud COVID-19: John Gotti's NY Grandson Admits To $1M Relief Fraud
Covid-19: John Gotti's NY Grandson Admits To $1M Relief Fraud A New York man with ties to the Mafia formally confessed to a million-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. Long Island resident Carmine Agnello, age 38, of Smithtown, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in Central Islip federal court on Thursday, Sept. 26. Agnello is the grandson of the late John Gotti, former boss of the Gambino organized crime family. According to prosecutors, between April 2020 and November 2021, he fraudulently applied for, and received, at least three small business loans under the US Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDLP). The program…
$2M Con Job: NY Contractor Admits Defrauding Victims Of Hurricane Sandy $2M Con Job: NY Contractor Admits Defrauding Victims Of Hurricane Sandy
$2M Con Job: NY Contractor Admits Defrauding Victims Of Hurricane Sandy A former New York contractor confessed to stealing millions of dollars from homeowners who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy to fund his lavish lifestyle. Alexander Almaraz, age 56, who formerly lived on Long Island in Freeport, pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in Central Islip federal court on Thursday, Sept. 5. Prosecutors said Almaraz, who owned Design Concepts Group (DCG) in Freeport, targeted homeowners who suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 and later received relief funds from the governor’s office. Earlier Report: Lamborghini, Porsche, Jaguar,…
Multi-Million Dollar Scheme: 8 NYers Accused Of Scamming Government For Services Never Provided Multi-Million Dollar Scheme: 8 NYers Accused Of Scamming Government For Services Never Provided
Multi-Million Dollar Scheme: 8 NYers Accused Of Scamming Government For Services Never Provided Eight New Yorkers who owned, operated, or were employees of several transportation companies have been accused of scamming the government out of millions of dollars for services never provided. The indictments were unsealed on Long Island at federal court in Central Islip on Tuesday, June 11. Seven of the eight are from Long Island and the other from New York City: Noman Ahmed, age 37, Port Jefferson Station; Adnan Arshad, also known as “Eddie,” age 45, Mount Sinai; Rehman Diwan, age 24, Hicksville; Jessica Hendrickson, age 36, Patchogue; Jose Marte, age 33, …
NY Financial Advisor Stole Over $1M From Clients To Buy Car, High-End Clothing, Jury Finds NY Financial Advisor Stole Over $1M From Clients To Buy Car, High-End Clothing, Jury Finds
NY Financial Advisor Stole Over $1M From Clients To Buy Car, High-End Clothing, Jury Finds A former investment adviser and founder of a New York financial advisory firm could spend decades in federal prison for conning his clients out of more than $1 million. Long Island resident Jeffrey Slothower, age 46, of Southampton, was found guilty of wire fraud and related charges by a jury in Central Islip federal court on Thursday, May 16. According to prosecutors, in 2017 Slothower targeted a California couple whose money he had managed at another financial services firm, promising them he could beat any rate of return they were receiving at his own firm, Battery Private. He offered t…
COVID-19: NY Duo Steals $8M From Company Seeking Surgical Masks, Feds Say COVID-19: NY Duo Steals $8M From Company Seeking Surgical Masks, Feds Say
Covid-19: NY Duo Steals $8M From Company Seeking Surgical Masks, Feds Say Two New York residents are accused of conning a medical supply company out of millions of dollars in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Long Island resident Jonathan Cannon, age 58, of Miller Place, and Erie County resident Julie Dotton, age 51, of Orchard Park, are both charged with wire fraud in a complaint unsealed in Central Islip federal court on Thursday, May 2. According to prosecutors, a Canadian company serving as an official provider of personal protective equipment paid Cannon and Dotton $8.2 million for surgical masks needed due to the pandemic. In exchange, Dotton agreed…
Condoms, Rope Found On NY Man Who Blackmailed Minors Into Sending Nudes, Feds Say Condoms, Rope Found On NY Man Who Blackmailed Minors Into Sending Nudes, Feds Say
Condoms, Rope Found On NY Man Who Blackmailed Minors Into Sending Nudes, Feds Say A New York man is in federal custody after allegedly blackmailing several underage girls into sending him sexually explicit images. Long Island resident Brandon Kern, age 29, of Bayport, was arraigned on multiple charges in Central Islip federal court on Wednesday, Nov. 22. An investigation found that between December 2020 and October 2021, he posed as a teenager on Snapchat in order to convince at least six underage girls to send him sexually explicit photos and videos. Some of the victims were as young as 12 years old, according to the FBI. When the girls attempted to block him, Kern al…
2 Westchester Women Nabbed For Prostitution After Raid At Massage Parlor 2 Westchester Women Nabbed For Prostitution After Raid At Massage Parlor
2 Westchester Women Nabbed For Prostitution After Raid At Massage Parlor Two women from the Hudson Valley have been charged with prostitution after a raid at a Long Island massage parlor. In response to numerous community complaints, Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers conducted an investigation at Lake Avenue Foot & Back Spa in St, James at approximately 3:20 p.m.  Friday, Nov. 3. Westchester County residents Jinzhen Shi, age 46, and Xiao Zhang, age 42, both of Mount Vernon, were charged with Prostitution, Unauthorized practice of a profession.  Shi was given a Desk Appearance Ticket and will be arra…
'Unfit To Serve': NY Rep. Bringing Resolution To 'Immediately Expel' George Santos From House 'Unfit To Serve': NY Rep. Bringing Resolution To 'Immediately Expel' George Santos From House
'Unfit To Serve': NY Rep. Bringing Resolution To 'Immediately Expel' George Santos From House After almost a year of escalating political scandals culminating in nearly two dozen federal criminal charges, embattled New York Congressman George Santos may be nearing his final days in office. The freshman Republican lawmaker, whose 3rd District includes parts of Nassau County and Queens, will be the target of a resolution brought by Republican New York Rep. Anthony D’Esposito to expel Santos from the House. “George Santos’ many deceptions coupled with the ever-expanding legal case against him further strengthen my long-held belief that he is unfit to serve in Congress,” D’Esposito sai…
George Santos Stole Thousands From Donors, Inflated Fundraising Totals, New Indictment Alleges George Santos Stole Thousands From Donors, Inflated Fundraising Totals, New Indictment Alleges
George Santos Stole Thousands From Donors, Inflated Fundraising Totals, New Indictment Alleges Federal prosecutors have slapped embattled New York Congressman George Santos with an array of additional criminal charges just days after his ex-campaign treasurer implicated him in an alleged scheme to dupe donors. In a 23-count superseding indictment filed in US District Court in the Eastern District on Tuesday, Oct. 10, prosecutors outlined two new schemes that allegedly helped the freshman Republican lawmaker cheat his way into office. The first, dubbed the “Credit Card Fraud Scheme,” allegedly took place between December 2021 and August 2022. Prosecutors say Santos stole the personal …
George Santos' Ex-Campaign Treasurer Admits Role In Reporting Thousands In Fictional Loans George Santos' Ex-Campaign Treasurer Admits Role In Reporting Thousands In Fictional Loans
George Santos' Ex-Campaign Treasurer Admits Role In Reporting Thousands In Fictional Loans The woman who once oversaw the finances of embattled New York Rep. George Santos’ congressional campaign has confessed to filing fictional finance reports on his behalf, saying he was well aware of the scheme. Nancy Marks, a former campaign treasurer during Santos’ two congressional bids, pleaded guilty to a felony count of conspiracy to defraud the United States in federal court in Central Islip on Thursday, Oct. 5. She admitted that she and Santos, a Republican whose 3rd District represents parts of Nassau County and Queens, recorded phony campaign finance reports stating that Santos had…
'Motivated By Greed': Ex-Energy Dept Employee Took Bribes From NY Business For $1M In Contracts 'Motivated By Greed': Ex-Energy Dept Employee Took Bribes From NY Business For $1M In Contracts
'Motivated By Greed': Ex-Energy Dept Employee Took Bribes From NY Business For $1M In Contracts A former employee at the US Department of Energy (DOE) has admitted to accepting thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for securing nearly $1 million in federal contracts for a New York business. Jami Anthony, age 47, of Hayes, Virginia, pleaded guilty to receiving bribes as a federal official in US District Court in Central Islip on Monday, June 26. According to the US Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District, Anthony is the former Small Business Program Liaison and Procurement Officer for the DOE. Earlier Report: 'Down In Flames': Central Islip Business Owner Bribed Official …
Trio Of Schemes That Led To Santos Arrest Detailed By Feds; Rep Not Resigning Over 'Witch Hunt' Trio Of Schemes That Led To Santos Arrest Detailed By Feds; Rep Not Resigning Over 'Witch Hunt'
Trio Of Schemes That Led To Santos Arrest Detailed By Feds; Rep Not Resigning Over 'Witch Hunt' Beleaguered New York Rep. George Santos is remaining defiant in the face of numerous federal criminal charges, refusing to resign from Congress and vowing to fight what he decried as a “witch hunt.” The 34-year-old Republican, whose 3rd District represents parts of Nassau County and Queens, pleaded not guilty to all 13 federal charges against him during his arraignment in Central Islip on Wednesday afternoon, May 10. He is charged with: Seven counts of wire fraud Three counts of money laundering Theft of public funds Two counts of making false statements on federal disclosure forms Follo…
NY Congressman George Santos Now In Custody, Facing 13 Federal Charges: Here's Rundown NY Congressman George Santos Now In Custody, Facing 13 Federal Charges: Here's Rundown
NY Congressman George Santos Now In Custody, Facing 13 Federal Charges: Here's Rundown Click here for a new, updated story: Trio Of Schemes That Led To Santos Arrest Detailed By Feds; Rep Not Resigning Over 'Witch Hunt' US Congressman George Santos was arrested early Wednesday, May 10 on a 13-count indictment. The arrest took place early Wednesday in Central Islip. According to the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York's Office, Santos, a 34-year-old right-wing Republican, was charged with: Seven counts of wire fraud,  Three counts of money laundering,  Theft of public funds,  Two counts of making false statements on federal disclosure forms.…
Set For Life: NY Man Wins $5M Scratcher Prize Set For Life: NY Man Wins $5M Scratcher Prize
Set For Life: NY Man Wins $5M Scratcher Prize A lucky New York man has five million reasons to be smiling after hitting it big on a lottery scratcher. Long Island resident Hernandez Fuentes, of Central Islip, claimed the top prize on the New York Lottery’s Set for Life scratch-off game, which offers players a guaranteed minimum payment of $5,000,000. Fuentes chose to accept his prize as a one-time lump sum totaling $2,340,401 after taxes, New York Lottery officials said. The ticket was purchased at the USA Quick Mart in Central Islip, located on East Suffolk Avenue. As of Wednesday, March 15, there were six top prizes remaining on t…
Lamborghini, Porsche, Jaguar, Oh My: NY Contractor Charged In $2M Hurricane Sandy Relief Fraud Lamborghini, Porsche, Jaguar, Oh My: NY Contractor Charged In $2M Hurricane Sandy Relief Fraud
Lamborghini, Porsche, Jaguar, Oh My: NY Contractor Charged In $2M Hurricane Sandy Relief Fraud A New York contractor is facing federal charges for allegedly stealing millions of dollars from Hurricane Sandy victims and using the money to fund a lavish lifestyle. Alexander Almaraz, age 55, who formerly lived on Long Island, in Freeport on , is expected to be arraigned on wire fraud charges in federal court in Central Islip on Thursday, Jan. 26, according to the US Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District. Prosecutors said Almaraz, who owns Design Concepts Group (DCG) in Freeport, targeted homeowners who suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 and later recei…
Broker Sentenced In NY ‘Boiler Room’ Scheme That Defrauded Elderly Out Of Millions Broker Sentenced In NY ‘Boiler Room’ Scheme That Defrauded Elderly Out Of Millions
Broker Sentenced In NY ‘Boiler Room’ Scheme That Defrauded Elderly Out Of Millions A former stockbroker is heading to federal prison for his role in a massive fraud scheme based on Long Island that swindled elderly victims out of millions of dollars. Lawrence Isen, age 69, of California, was sentenced to five years behind bars in federal court in Central Islip Friday, Jan. 6. Earlier Report: Former Broker Sentenced In LI 'Boiler Room' Fraud Scheme That Cost Elderly Victims Millions It followed his March 2020 jury conviction on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering. Federal prosecut…
NY Businesswoman Convicted Of Obstructing IRS, Filing False Tax Returns NY Businesswoman Convicted Of Obstructing IRS, Filing False Tax Returns
NY Businesswoman Convicted Of Obstructing IRS, Filing False Tax Returns A New York businesswoman is facing federal prison time after being convicted of obstructing the IRS and filing false tax returns. Long Island resident Lorraine Pilitz, age 64, of Merrick, was found guilty on all five counts against her by a federal jury in Central Islip Wednesday, Nov. 9, following a two-week trial. Federal prosecutors said between 2011 and 2013, Pilitz, who owned several automotive businesses on Long Island, regularly structured cash deposits in a way that allowed her to avoid filing financial reports that are required for all transactions over $10,000. The scheme resulte…
Ex-Owner Of NY Commercial Check Cashing Companies Sentenced For $9.5M Fraud Scheme Ex-Owner Of NY Commercial Check Cashing Companies Sentenced For $9.5M Fraud Scheme
Ex-Owner Of NY Commercial Check Cashing Companies Sentenced For $9.5M Fraud Scheme The former owner of several check cashing businesses in New York is heading to federal prison after admitting to a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme. Long Island resident John Drago, age 58, of Central Islip, was sentenced to four years behind bars Friday, Oct. 21, in federal court in Central Islip. It followed his September 2021 guilty plea to fraud charges, in which he admitted to illegally structuring financial transactions and evading payroll taxes at several of his Long Island businesses. Federal prosecutors said between January 2010 and October 2013, Drago told employees to cash multi…
NY Manager Who Forced Migrants To Work 16 Hour Days, Sleep On Bug-Infested Beds Sentenced NY Manager Who Forced Migrants To Work 16 Hour Days, Sleep On Bug-Infested Beds Sentenced
NY Manager Who Forced Migrants To Work 16 Hour Days, Sleep On Bug-Infested Beds Sentenced A former manager at a New York catering and wedding venue who admitted to forcing migrants to work grueling hours and sleep in unsanitary conditions is heading to federal prison. Long Island resident Roberto Villanueva, age 65, of Huntington, was sentenced to six years behind bars Wednesday, Oct. 19, in federal court in Central Islip.  It followed his February 2022 guilty plea to charges of forced labor. Earlier report: Ex-Manager Of Long Island Catering Hall Admits To Forced Labor Conspiracy Villanueva, who managed the now-defunct Thatched Cottage in Centerport, has been jailed…
'Dangerous Predator': Long Island Man Who Made Sexually Explicit Videos Of 9-Year-Old Sentenced 'Dangerous Predator': Long Island Man Who Made Sexually Explicit Videos Of 9-Year-Old Sentenced
'Dangerous Predator': Long Island Man Who Made Sexually Explicit Videos Of 9-Year-Old Sentenced A New York man who filmed himself sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl and sent child pornography to minors is heading to prison, thanks in part to the bravery of a Connecticut teenager. Manuel Geovanny Torres Rivas, age 27, of Hempstead on Long Island, was sentenced to 25 years behind bars Friday, Oct. 14, in federal court in Central Islip. The sentence followed his January 2022 guilty plea to sexual exploitation of a child. Federal investigators began looking into Torres Rivas after a 13-year-old Connecticut girl told her school that a user on the social networking app Snapchat had sent h…
Georgia Men Accused Of Trafficking Dozens Of Handguns Into NY, Feds Say Georgia Men Accused Of Trafficking Dozens Of Handguns Into NY, Feds Say
Georgia Men Accused Of Trafficking Dozens Of Handguns Into NY, Feds Say Two Georgia men are facing federal charges for allegedly transporting dozens of handguns into New York, authorities said. Patrick Polidore, age 32, was arraigned in federal court on Long Island Wednesday, Sept. 28 in Central Islip on an 11-count indictment alleging that he and co-defendant Dennis Wolfolk, age 29, illegally brought 27 handguns into the state. Wolfolk is in federal custody in Georgia and will be brought to the Eastern District of New York for arraignment at a later date, according to the US Attorney's Office. Federal prosecutors said between October 2020 and January 2021,…
Former Sales Chief Of NY Mortgage Lender Sentenced For $8.9M Fraud Scheme Former Sales Chief Of NY Mortgage Lender Sentenced For $8.9M Fraud Scheme
Former Sales Chief Of NY Mortgage Lender Sentenced For $8.9M Fraud Scheme The former co-owner and executive at a New York mortgage lender has been sentenced for an $8.9 million fraud scheme, federal authorities announced. Long Island resident Edward E. Bohm, age 44, of Smithtown, formerly the president of Sales and part-owner of mortgage lender Vanguard Funding, LLC, based in Garden City, was sentenced on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at the federal courthouse in Central Islip to two years in prison. Bohm was also ordered to pay $3,488,615.42 in restitution and $1,500,000 in criminal forfeiture.  In February 2019, Bohm pleaded guilty to conspiring to …
NY Contractor Accused Of Scamming Customers Out Of $20K NY Contractor Accused Of Scamming Customers Out Of $20K
NY Contractor Accused Of Scamming Customers Out Of $20K A Long Island contractor has been accused of scamming customers out of more than $20,000 over the past six months, according to authorities. Steven Vitagliano, age 37, owner of Mastic-based company Line Up Fence, made verbal and written agreements to install fencing on several residential properties within the confines of the Suffolk County Police Seventh Precinct over the past six months, the department said.  Vitagliano would accept payment in the form of cash or checks and failed to do the contracted work before he stopped communicating with the customers, according to Suffolk Count…
NY Chiropractor Admits To $1 Million Health Care Fraud NY Chiropractor Admits To $1 Million Health Care Fraud
NY Chiropractor Admits To $1 Million Health Care Fraud A New York chiropractor has admitted to fraudulently obtaining nearly $1 million in insurance payouts for services that were never provided. Long Island resident Peter Adamczack, age 65, of Huntington, pleaded guilty to health care fraud Monday, Aug. 15, in federal court in Central Islip. Prosecutors said Adamczack, a licensed chiropractor in East Meadow, submitted over $1 million in fraudulent acupuncture claims to a private insurance company between 2016 and 2020. Adamczack was not licensed to perform acupuncture, but claimed that the services were provided by an unaffiliated acupuncturi…
Fugitive MS-13 Member Extradited From El Salvador To Face Murder, Other Charges In NY Fugitive MS-13 Member Extradited From El Salvador To Face Murder, Other Charges In NY
Fugitive MS-13 Member Extradited From El Salvador To Face Murder, Other Charges In NY An MS-13 gang member accused of taking part in the brutal killing of a 20-year-old man on Long Island has been extradited to the United States. Jose Jonathan Guevara-Castro was extradited from El Salvador on Tuesday, Aug. 9, nearly a month after the country’s top court gave the green light, the US Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District announced. Guevara-Castro, also known as “Suspechoso,” had been detained in El Salvador since August 2020, weeks after he was indicted by a federal grand jury in Central Islip for the murder of Kerin Pineda. The former Freeport High School student’s body …
NY Postal Worker Accused Of Stealing Over $70K In Costco Reward Certificates NY Postal Worker Accused Of Stealing Over $70K In Costco Reward Certificates
NY Postal Worker Accused Of Stealing Over $70K In Costco Reward Certificates A New York postal worker is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of Costco rewards certificates and cashing them in for himself. Long Island resident Gerome Fowler, age 32, of North Babylon in Suffolk County, was arrested Monday, Aug. 1 on multiple charges relating to the alleged scheme. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office said between December 2021 and May 2022, Fowler used over $6,000 of stolen Costco reward checks that should have been delivered to Costco customers. The thefts allegedly occurred while Fowler worked as a delivery carrier based out of the Bay …
New York Woman Claims $1 Million Lottery Prize New York Woman Claims $1 Million Lottery Prize
New York Woman Claims $1 Million Lottery Prize A Long Island woman has won a $1 million lottery prize. Lynn Powell, of Central Islip, claimed a top prize from the New York Lottery’s Emerald 10’s scratch-off game, the lottery announced on Tuesday, June 7. NY Lottery said Powell received her prize as a single, lump-sum payment of $585,900 after required withholdings. The ticket was purchased at the Valero that is located at 404 Clinton St. in Hempstead, the lottery said.