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Suffolk County, NY

These Suffolk County Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists These Suffolk County Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
These Suffolk County Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists A group of Long Island high school seniors put in the work and now they’re in the running for one of the most prestigious academic honors in the country. Hundreds of students from across Nassau and Suffolk counties were named as semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. They join more than 16,000 other students from across the United States after earning high marks on the Preliminary SAT during their junior year. In order to become finalists, students and their high school must submit a detailed scholarship application which includes their academic record, an ess…
Ex-Suffolk County Auto Biz Owner Admits Dodging $1.3M In Taxes Ex-Suffolk County Auto Biz Owner Admits Dodging $1.3M In Taxes
Ex-Suffolk County Auto Biz Owner Admits Dodging $1.3M In Taxes The former owner of several auto businesses on Long Island admitted to dodging more than $1 million in state taxes. Timothy Kjaer, age 49, formerly of Shoreham, pleaded guilty to grand larceny in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Sept. 12. According to prosecutors, Kjaer failed to submit dozens of sales tax returns and falsified others that significantly underreported the taxable sales of several of his Suffolk County businesses between June 2011 and November 2021. In all, he failed to report more than $16.1 million in order to steal over $1.3 million in sales tax that was collected on beh…
Driving Instructor Accused Of  Forcibly Touching Student In East Northport Driving Instructor Accused Of  Forcibly Touching Student In East Northport
Driving Instructor Accused Of Forcibly Touching Student In East Northport A Long Island driving instructor has been accused of inappropriately touching one of his students. During a driving lesson, the instructor, Arnold Stecker, age 72, of Hauppauge, an employee of Fitzgerald Driving School, inappropriately touched the 20-year-old female student on Kenilworth Drive in East Northport on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at about 8:30 p.m. Following an investigation by the Suffolk County PD Second Squad, Stecker was charged with forcible touching on Saturday, Sept. 14. He will be held overnight and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Cou…
Man Admits Fatally Stabbing Son-In-Law In Islip Terrace; Wife Cops To Being Getaway Driver Man Admits Fatally Stabbing Son-In-Law In Islip Terrace; Wife Cops To Being Getaway Driver
Man Admits Fatally Stabbing Son-In-Law In Islip Terrace; Wife Cops To Being Getaway Driver A Long Island couple formally admitted to their roles in the stabbing death of their 34-year-old son-in-law. Eduardo Vega, age 58, of Islip Terrace, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the death of Roshane McLaren in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Sept. 13. Prosecutors said Vega was living with his wife, Tanya Denis, along with her two daughters and their husbands when Vega got into an argument with McLaren in their backyard on Sept. 27, 2022. The altercation escalated when Vega threw a lawn chair at the man and threatened to hit him with a baseball bat. When the daughters trie…
Deer Park Man Impersonating DDS Worker Sexually Abused Resident At LI Facility: Police Deer Park Man Impersonating DDS Worker Sexually Abused Resident At LI Facility: Police
Deer Park Man Impersonating DDS Worker Sexually Abused Resident At LI Facility: Police A man who impersonated a New York Department of Social Services employee has been accused of sexually abusing a resident at a shelter facility on Long Island. Deer Park resident Alfred Balcerak, age 65, pretended to be the DDS employee to gain entry into a shelter facility in East Farmingdale, on Sunday, Sept. 6, according to Suffolk County Police.  Once inside, he made sexual contact with a disabled resident, and also took personal items belonging to the resident, according to police. Following an investigation by Suffolk County PD First Squad and S…
26-Year-Old Fires Multiple Shots Into Occupied Suffolk County Home, DA Says 26-Year-Old Fires Multiple Shots Into Occupied Suffolk County Home, DA Says
26-Year-Old Fires Multiple Shots Into Occupied Suffolk County Home, DA Says A 26-year-old man is accused of firing multiple shots into an occupied home located in an affluent Long Island neighborhood. Lawrence Brown Jr., of Riverhead, was formally charged with criminal possession of a weapon and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Monday, Sept. 9. According to prosecutors, Brown drove from Riverhead to Hampton Bays shortly before midnight on Saturday, July 7. He then fired five shots into the home of someone he’d been fighting with for days, investigators said. The residents were asleep when the shots rang out and told police they initially thought the soun…
Loaded Gun In Carry-On Bag At LaGuardia Will Mean 'Stiff' Fine For Halesite Man, TSA Says Loaded Gun In Carry-On Bag At LaGuardia Will Mean 'Stiff' Fine For Halesite Man, TSA Says
Loaded Gun In Carry-On Bag At LaGuardia Will Mean 'Stiff' Fine For Halesite Man, TSA Says A major airport no-no could cost a Long Island traveler thousands of dollars. The Suffolk County man, of Halesite, was found with a loaded gun in his carry-on bag during a security screening at LaGuardia Airport on Thursday, Sept. 5, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said. When the bag was identified by TSA as possibly containing a firearm, it was automatically diverted to a different conveyor belt for closer inspection. That’s when agents found the 9mm handgun loaded with nine bullets, including one in the chamber. Police allowed the man to return the gun to his vehicle. He…
Suspect Had 'Date Rape' Drug After Woman's Body Found In Suitcase In Huntington, Report Says Suspect Had 'Date Rape' Drug After Woman's Body Found In Suitcase In Huntington, Report Says
Suspect Had 'Date Rape' Drug After Woman's Body Found In Suitcase In Huntington, Report Says New details are emerging in the case of a woman who was found dead inside a suitcase in a wooded area of Long Island. The remains of 31-year-old Seikeya Jones, who was homeless, were discovered by a passerby in Huntington, near the intersection of Nassau and Woodhull roads, shortly before noon Tuesday, Sept. 3. An official cause of death has yet to be publicized by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office. Earlier Report: Suspect Arrested In Death Of Seikeya Jones Days would go by before homicide detectives arrested a suspect in the case, 31-year-old Ronald Schroeder, of Huntin…
Intoxicated Shirley Driver Had His Kids In Car When He Crashed In Mastic: Police Intoxicated Shirley Driver Had His Kids In Car When He Crashed In Mastic: Police
Intoxicated Shirley Driver Had His Kids In Car When He Crashed In Mastic: Police A 46-year-old Long Island man faces multiple felony charges after police said he drove while intoxicated and crashed into multiple parked vehicles with his two young daughters in his car.  Gerardo Gonzalez Ramos, of Shirley, was arrested on Saturday, Sept. 7, following the crash in Mastic, Suffolk County Police said.  Police received tips that a Honda had plowed into two cars at 50 Mastic Blvd West a little before 8:30 p.m.  As officers investigated, Gonzalez Ramos returned to the crash site, authorities said. He had his two daughters — ages 4 and 6 — in the vehic…
Ex-Manager Who Stole From Autistic Residents At St. James Care Facility Gets Prison Ex-Manager Who Stole From Autistic Residents At St. James Care Facility Gets Prison
Ex-Manager Who Stole From Autistic Residents At St. James Care Facility Gets Prison A former manager of a residential care facility on Long Island will serve prison time for stealing from developmentally disabled residents. Desiree Etheridge, age 50, of North Carolina, was sentenced to one to three years behind bars in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Aug. 29, after pleading guilty to felony grand larceny. According to prosecutors, Etheridge worked as a facility manager at Eden II in St. James. As part of her responsibilities, she regularly withdrew cash from residents’ bank accounts to place in their petty cash envelope so they could go shopping. Earlier Report: …
Woman Wearing Surgical Mask At Large After Bank Robbery In Selden Woman Wearing Surgical Mask At Large After Bank Robbery In Selden
Woman Wearing Surgical Mask At Large After Bank Robbery In Selden A female suspect is at large after a bank robbery on Long Island. It happened just after 4:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 in Selden. According to Suffolk County Police, a white woman wearing a surgical mask entered Chase Bank at 999 Middle Country Road and presented the teller with a note demanding money. The teller complied, and the suspect fled on foot with cash. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the robbery to call the Suffolk County PD Major Case Unit at 631-852- 6555 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-220-TIPS. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
Major Break: Suspect Nabbed In Death Of Woman Whose Body Was Found In Suitcase In Huntington Major Break: Suspect Nabbed In Death Of Woman Whose Body Was Found In Suitcase In Huntington
Major Break: Suspect Nabbed In Death Of Woman Whose Body Was Found In Suitcase In Huntington Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the death of a woman whose body was found in a suitcase on Long Island. Suffolk County Police were called about suspicious activity in a wooded area of Huntington, near the intersection of Nassau and Woodhull roads, shortly before noon Tuesday, Sept. 3. Investigators later confirmed that they found a suitcase containing the body of 31-year-old Seikeya Jones, who was homeless. Her cause of death is still being determined by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office. Earlier Report: ID Released For Woman Found Dead Inside Suitcase B…
New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into St. James Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into St. James Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says
New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into St. James Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says Authorities have released new details in the case of a New York couple who were shot to death inside their home. Long Island resident Daniel Coppola, age 50, of St. James, was arraigned on four counts of first-degree murder in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Sept. 6, in the deaths of his ex-wife Kelly Coppola and her boyfriend, Kenneth Pohlman. Suffolk County Police found Mrs. Coppola, age 50, and Pohlman, age 52, dead from gunshot wounds inside their St. James residence on Brasswood Road shortly before midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Earlier Report: Accused Murderer Ranted About Pr…
Teen Broke Into Woman's Mastic Beach Home, Touched Her While She Slept: Police Teen Broke Into Woman's Mastic Beach Home, Touched Her While She Slept: Police
Teen Broke Into Woman's Mastic Beach Home, Touched Her While She Slept: Police A Long Island woman called police after she said a 19-year-old man broke into her Suffolk County home in the middle of the night and touched her as she slept, authorities said.  The woman spoke to officers on Thursday, Sept. 5, to report the incident that allegedly happened on Monday, Aug. 26, at her Whittier Drive home in Mastic Beach, Suffolk County Police said.  Davion Commodore, 19, of Mastic Beach, was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary in the case, police said.  The woman explained that she woke up around 1 a.m. to Commodore in her bedroom touching h…
Man's 'Horrific' Stabbing Attack On Ex-GF In Front Of Children In Bay Shore Nets 15 Years Man's 'Horrific' Stabbing Attack On Ex-GF In Front Of Children In Bay Shore Nets 15 Years
Man's 'Horrific' Stabbing Attack On Ex-GF In Front Of Children In Bay Shore Nets 15 Years A Long Island man will spend over a decade in prison for brutally stabbing his ex-girlfriend in front of their horrified children. Jorge Guevara, age 49, of Bay Shore, was sentenced to 15 years behind bars in Suffolk County Court on Wednesday, Sept. 4, after a jury convicted him of attempted assault and related charges. According to prosecutors, Guevara and the victim got into an argument on March 28, 2023, and he threatened her with a knife.  The two struggled over the weapon before Guevara grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed the woman in her neck and shoulder repeatedly. Earli…
Most Expensive Long Island Home Listings All Sold For Under Asking Price Most Expensive Long Island Home Listings All Sold For Under Asking Price
Most Expensive Long Island Home Listings All Sold For Under Asking Price These luxury homes on Long Island didn’t quite fetch the selling price their owners had hoped for. Of the 10 most expensive residential sales to close across Nassau and Suffolk counties since Wednesday, Aug. 28, all 10 sold for below asking price, data from Zillow shows. The most expensive listing – a one-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch on 1.62 acres in Great Neck that was listed for $7.8 million – closed on Wednesday, Aug. 28, for $6.5 million, 16-percent under asking. The cheapest of the 10 – a six-bedroom, six-bathroom newer build on one acre in Woodbury that had sought $3.495 million – c…
\Student From Lindenhurst Makes Threat Of Mass Harm To High School In West Babylon, Police Say \Student From Lindenhurst Makes Threat Of Mass Harm To High School In West Babylon, Police Say
\Student From Lindenhurst Makes Threat Of Mass Harm To High School In West Babylon, Police Say A Long Island high school student has been accused of making a threat of mass harm. The threat was reported by a 911 caller at 10:10 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4,  according to Suffolk County Police. A 15-year-old boy, who attends Brennan High School in West Babylon, threatened to shoot people at the school during an online chat with other students from the school, The threat was not made during school hours. After an investigation by officers from the Suffolk County PD Second Precinct Crime Section and Second Squad detectives, as well as First Precinct patrol officers, the boy, whose nam…
Centerport Mom’s Meth-Fueled, Wrong-Way Southern State Crash Killing Young Son Was Murder: DA Centerport Mom’s Meth-Fueled, Wrong-Way Southern State Crash Killing Young Son Was Murder: DA
Centerport Mom’s Meth-Fueled, Wrong-Way Southern State Crash Killing Young Son Was Murder: DA A New York mother accused of causing a drug-fueled, wrong-way highway crash that killed her son has been charged with murder. On Long Island, a Suffolk County grand jury charged 32-year-old Kerri Bedrick, of Centerport, with second-degree murder and related charges on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Prosecutors said Bedrick was high on methamphetamine when a Suffolk County Sheriff’s deputy spotted her SUV speeding westbound in the eastbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway at around 2:15 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22. Earlier Report: NY Mom Accused In Wrong-Way Crash Killing Son Had License Suspend…
1 Critically Injured In Chain-Reaction Ridge Crash 1 Critically Injured In Chain-Reaction Ridge Crash
1 Critically Injured In Chain-Reaction Ridge Crash This story has been updated. One person was severely injured in a chain-reach reaction crash near a Long Island intersection. It happened just before 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, in Ridge. A 22-year-old Coram man was driving a 2012 Ford E-350 minibus westbound on Middle Country Road, just east of Ridge Road, according to Suffolk County Police. The minibus rear-ended a 2010 Ford Escape, pushing it into a westbound 2023 Ford F-150 being driven by a 59-year-old Shirley man. The driver of the Escape, a 70-year-old Ridge man, was taken via Suffolk County Police helicopter to Stony Brook Univ…
Body Found In Suitcase In Huntington Body Found In Suitcase In Huntington
Body Found In Suitcase In Huntington Police are investigating after a person was found dead inside a suitcase on Long Island. Click here for an updated story: ID Released For Woman Found Dead Inside Suitcase Behind Huntington Business Suffolk County Police were called about suspicious activity in a wooded area of Huntington, near the intersection of Nassau and Woodhull roads, shortly before noon Tuesday, Sept. 3. At around 8:30 p.m., the agency revealed that officers found a suitcase containing a dead body next to a building. The person’s identity and cause of death is under investigation by the Suffolk County Medical E…
Islip Terrace Man Accused Of Committing Lewd Act While Naked, Watching Girls Islip Terrace Man Accused Of Committing Lewd Act While Naked, Watching Girls
Islip Terrace Man Accused Of Committing Lewd Act While Naked, Watching Girls A Long Island man has been accused of committing a lewd act while watching two girls through a window in his home. The alleged incident happened around on Friday, Aug. 30 in Islip Terrace. A family member of the girls reported to police that the man was naked and committing the act while watching the minors, from the window of his home, located on Sunrise Highway (Route 27). Following an investigation by Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives, Joseph Zink, wage 59, of Islip Terrace, as arrested today at approximately 3:50 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2. Zink was charged with: …
Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows
Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows It appears tourists just can’t get enough of Long Island. Travelers spent a record-breaking $7.5 billion across Nassau and Suffolk counties in 2023, according to data from New York State’s annual Tourism Economics report.  That figure far surpassed 2022’s record-breaking spending of $6.6 billion by 12.7 percent. Tourists spent the most, 36 percent, on food and beverages, followed by lodging at 20 percent, the report found. Retail and service stations added another $1.2 billion, or 16 percent of total spend. Suffolk County saw the biggest increase in tourism dollars in 2023, with 15.6…
See Floodwaters Burst Through Suffolk County Library Causing Millions Of Dollars In Damages See Floodwaters Burst Through Suffolk County Library Causing Millions Of Dollars In Damages
See Floodwaters Burst Through Suffolk County Library Causing Millions Of Dollars In Damages A dramatic video was just released of the torrential flood that tore through a Long Island library causing millions in damages.  The Smithtown Library in Suffolk County uploaded surveillance videos taken Monday, Aug. 19, as heavy rains pushed into the building at One North Country Road in Smithtown. It collapsed walls, bashed open doors, and destroyed books and furniture.  More than a foot of rain fell on parts of Long Island overnight on Aug. 19. The library kept its precious collection of rare historical items in a climate-controlled vault. The video shows floodwaters teari…
20-Year-Old, Furry Friend Rescued From Patchogue Marina 20-Year-Old, Furry Friend Rescued From Patchogue Marina
20-Year-Old, Furry Friend Rescued From Patchogue Marina A man and his dog have some officers to thank for rescuing them from a Long Island marina. The early-morning incident happened in Patchogue, at Mascot Dock and Marina, at around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27. Suffolk County Police said a 20-year-old Holbrook man was crabbing when his dog, a 2-year-old pit bull, jumped into the water. The man jumped in after her but was unable to exit the water. Fortunately for the pair, two Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers responded in their boat and pulled them to safety.  Both man and dog were unharmed.
Long Island Expressway Closures Planned In Brookhaven: Here's When Long Island Expressway Closures Planned In Brookhaven: Here's When
Long Island Expressway Closures Planned In Brookhaven: Here's When A stretch of the Long Island Expressway is scheduled to be closed for roadwork. The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) is advising motorists of weeknight closures on I-495 in the town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, weather permitting, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3, for approximately 10 weeks to facilitate concrete pavement repairs: Eastbound between Exits 64 (Route 112) and Exit 67 (Yaphank Road/Suffolk Route 21), two lanes will be closed from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. All lanes will be closed and detoured onto the South Service Road from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Two lanes will be clos…
School Bus Driver From Suffolk County Downloaded Images Of Child Sexual Abuse: DA School Bus Driver From Suffolk County Downloaded Images Of Child Sexual Abuse: DA
School Bus Driver From Suffolk County Downloaded Images Of Child Sexual Abuse: DA A Long Island school bus driver has been accused of downloading images and videos of child sexual abuse and then uploading them to his cloud storage account. Guenther Mayrhofer, age 71, of Mastic Beach, who worked for the William Floyd School District, was indicted on Thursday, Aug. 29 for 50 counts of promoting and possessing child sex abuse material. “There is nothing more important to my office than protecting children and tracking down predators in our community," Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said. "It is deeply disturbing that this d…
Disgruntled Gambler Shot 2 At Port Jefferson Business, Jury Finds Disgruntled Gambler Shot 2 At Port Jefferson Business, Jury Finds
Disgruntled Gambler Shot 2 At Port Jefferson Business, Jury Finds A 27-year-old man could spend decades in prison for shooting two victims at a Long Island business. Alexander Castillo, of the Bronx, was found guilty of assault and related charges by a Suffolk County jury on Friday, Aug. 23. According to prosecutors, Castillo spent several hours playing pool at a Port Jefferson pool hall on Dec. 28, 2022. Over the course of the evening, he placed bets on each game and lost an undisclosed amount of money. Shortly after 7 p.m., Castillo left the pool hall and returned three minutes later wearing a ski mask and hat. He then pulled out a loaded gun and deman…
Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says
Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says State leaders are crediting major policing reforms for a marked decline in shootings across New York State. In 21 counties outside of New York City, the number of shootings with injuries dropped 29 percent through July compared to the first seven months of 2023, a Division of Criminal Justice Services report shows. The data came from police departments across the state participating in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, which provides agencies with state funding for equipment, overtime, personnel, training, and technical assistance aimed at reducing shootings and firea…
AG On Lookout For Price Gougers Cashing In On Recent Long Island Flooding AG On Lookout For Price Gougers Cashing In On Recent Long Island Flooding
AG On Lookout For Price Gougers Cashing In On Recent Long Island Flooding State leaders are on the lookout for businesses hoping to cash in on the recent flooding that hit Long Island. New York Attorney General Letitia James issued an alert warning businesses against price gouging on essential items in Suffolk County.  It comes after a federal emergency was declared in response to widespread flooding that damaged several homes and washed out roads. “As families in Suffolk County recover from the devastating aftermath of last week’s storm, I am warning businesses not to use this as an opportunity to unfairly raise prices,” James said. Earlier Report:&nbs…
Owners Admit Fault After Fire Kills Sisters At Noyac Vacation Rental Owners Admit Fault After Fire Kills Sisters At Noyac Vacation Rental
Owners Admit Fault After Fire Kills Sisters At Noyac Vacation Rental A husband and wife from Long Island admitted fault after a fire killed two Maryland sisters staying at their vacation rental. Peter Miller, age 56, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal negligent homicide, and Pamela Miller, age 55, pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment in Suffolk County Court on Monday, Aug. 26. It came two years after sisters Lindsay Wiener, age 19, and Jillian Wiener, age 21, both of Potomac, Maryland, died in a fire at the couple’s Noyac rental home in August 2022. Earlier Report: Sisters On Vacation Killed In Hamptons House Fire According to prosecutors, …
Ex-Stony Brook Attorney Who Stole $800K From Clients Gets Prison Time Ex-Stony Brook Attorney Who Stole $800K From Clients Gets Prison Time
Ex-Stony Brook Attorney Who Stole $800K From Clients Gets Prison Time A former New York attorney is heading to prison after confessing that he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from his clients. Former Long Island resident Douglas Valente, age 57, now of Florida, was sentenced to between one and four years in prison in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Aug. 22. Prosecutors said Valente, the former principal attorney at the Valente Law Group in Stony Brook, stole more than $800,000 from three former clients by taking money from his escrow account. Earlier Report: Former NY Attorney Stole Nearly $1M From Clients, DA Says Among the victims was a cl…