Suffolk Sheriff's Office To Hold A Female Recruitment Event March 28th

SUFFOLK SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO HOLD FEMALE RECRUITMENT EVENT

 (Yaphank, NY): In honor of Women’s History Month, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office will be holding a women’s recruitment Q&A event on Thursday, March 28 at 6:00pm at the Yaphank Correctional Facility.  The event will feature presentations from female Correction, Deputy Sheriff and Civilian staff and will allow participants to ask officers and employees questions about the jobs and the unique struggles they may face being women in law enforcement. The event is a part of Suffolk Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr.’s commitment to the 30x30 Initiative, a nationwide push to increase female participation in law enforcement and leadership positions to 30% by 2030. 

DEC To Host Third Annual Long Island Youth Turkey Program

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Cathy Haas today announced that a two-part, hands-on program on youth turkey hunting will be offered in April. This free event is part of the State’s Youth Turkey Program designed to introduce youth ages 12-15 to the fundamentals of turkey hunting and provide an opportunity to hunt on public lands under the guidance of an experienced mentor.  What: Long Island Youth Turkey Hunt When: Educational day Wednesday, April 17, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; hunting weekend April 20 and 21 Where: Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 340 Smith Rd, Shirley, NY 11967 Hunting times begin one hour before sunrise and go until noon. The program is limited to 20 participants and requires youth hunters to possess a Hunter Education Training Certificate, a valid Junior Hunting License for small game, and a valid turkey tag.  The Youth Turkey Program is hosted by DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement and the New York State Conservation Officers Association, with support from the DEC Hunter Education Program, National Wild Turkey Federation, and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, at the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex.  Registration for the Youth Turkey Program is open through April 10, 2024. To register, visit DEC’s Mentored Hunts online platform.  Questions about the event can be sent to Environmental Conservation Police Officer Taylor Della Rocco at taylor.dellarocco@dec.ny.gov.

Suffolk Sheriff Welcomes Newest K9 To The Ranks

 

“We are excited to welcome Hondo as our newest four-legged member of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.  Just weeks after his training he already completed a successful missing person search and we look forward to all the future investigative work he will do to keep our County safe,” said Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr.  

Hondo is a 1-year-old German Shepard who received 8 months of training in detecting drugs, patrolling, and searching buildings and locating missing or wanted individuals. Hondo will also do traffic patrol with the Sheriff’s Office’s DWI Unit. 

Weeks after completing his 8-month training, Hondo assisted in tracking down a missing individual in Riverhead. He was vital in helping find the missing teenager who fled on foot from the County Court complex and was shortly found behind electrical components in a wooded area in the complex. 

Hondo joins a force of two other Deputy Sheriff K-9s and three Correction Office K-9s. 

NYS DEC Announces 2024 'I BIRD NY' Challenge

I BIRD NY Encourages New Yorkers to Enjoy Birding Close to Home and on the New York State Birding Trail

photo: Smithtown resident Juan AcostaNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the start of the 2024 ‘I BIRD NY’ Challenge for birders of all ages and abilities. The challenge provides opportunities to identify birds and learn about birdlife and awards program finishers with a commemorative I BIRD NY Challenge patch and the chance to win birding equipment.   

“New York State’s wide-ranging habitat types, from the Atlantic Ocean’s sandy beaches to majestic Catskill and Adirondack peaks, Great Lakes shorelines, and everything in between, create a birder’s paradise for residents and visitors year-round,” Commissioner Seggos said. “I encourage birdwatchers to get outside and check out the 450 different bird species that call New York home.” 

New York has more than 350 Birding Trail locations and new locations are added often, making it even easier for New Yorkers to get started with this fun activity. Birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreational activities in the U.S. According to the 2022 National Survey of Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 7.4 million wildlife watchers generated $10.8 billion in New York State in 2022. This is up from an estimated four million New York resident wildlife viewers spending more than $6.4 billion annually in 2016. 

Backyard birding, or watching birds close to home, is the most common way people engage in birding. As a birder’s skill and interest develop, there are several opportunities to contribute to scientific knowledge about birds and the natural world. Programs like eBird, New York’s Breeding Bird Atlas, Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch, and the Great Backyard Bird Count rely on volunteer birders to contribute sightings to a centralized database. 

The I BIRD NY program was launched in 2017 to build on the State’s efforts to increase access to New York’s vast natural resources and promote no- and low-cost opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. The annual birding challenge saw a 745 percent increase in participation in 2023, with 1,226 birding enthusiasts completing this fun challenge. 

I BIRD NY is just one of DEC’s ongoing efforts to engage New Yorkers in nature-based activities that provide a fun opportunity for the entire family to learn about the natural world. Because people can observe birds wherever they live, work, or recreate, birding is an accessible activity that does not require transportation or the purchase of specialized equipment. Birdwatching can be enjoyed by people from all economic backgrounds and education levels. While binoculars can help, many birds can be identified without them. 

“Early spring is an exciting time to observe birds as they engage in fascinating behavior like establishing territories, finding a mate, and gathering nest materials. Others are just starting to arrive from their wintering grounds, and some will only be passing through. By staying quiet and moving slowly, you’ll maximize your chances of seeing the birds that are around you. We recommend visiting the New York State Birding Trail for its unique and accessible settings,” said Michael Burger, Executive Director, Audubon Connecticut and New York.  

“Birds are awesome!” said Maisie (10) and Sam (14), members of the WNY Young Birder Club. 

“The ‘I BIRD NY’ Challenge not only offers an inclusive and hands-on approach, but also provides a fun, low-cost way to explore the beauty in our own backyards, neighborhoods, and New York’s natural areas. By participating, people will actively contribute to a collective celebration that highlights the significance of birds in our world,” said Lauren Makeyenko, Co-Chair, Feminist Bird Club’s Buffalo Chapter.  

The 2024 I BIRD NY Challenge is open to all ages and ends on Nov. 1, 2024. To complete the Challenge, participants must identify 10 bird species of their choosing and submit a challenge sheet to DEC. Challenge sheets may be submitted online via Survey Monkey or sent via email or mail. Entries must be received by Nov. 15. Entry forms are also available in Spanish. All participants will be awarded a commemorative patch, given a completion certificate, and entered into a drawing for great birding prizes. Two youth and two adult winners will be chosen. Participants will also receive an extra prize entry for providing a photo documenting their challenge experience. As an extra bonus, the first 50 participants will receive a special goodie bag of birding swag items. 

Birding enthusiasts can visit I BIRD NY to access this year’s challenge sheet, as well as find information on where and how to watch birds, upcoming birding events, a downloadable Beginner’s Guide to Birding (also available in Spanish), and additional resources. Those interested may also opt to sign up for DEC’s monthly birding newsletter, Words of a Feather, to have birding tips and tricks, New York State Birding Trail site recommendations, events, and more delivered right to one’s inbox.  

As always, participants are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands this year by practicing Leave No Trace principles and by recreating safely and sustainably. 

https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases

E. Northport Man Found Guilty Of Repeatedly Sexually Abusing A Child

EAST NORTHPORT MAN FOUND GUILTY BY JURY OF REPEATEDLY SEXUALLY ABUSING HIS GREAT NIECE

The Defendant Faces Up to 25 Years in Prison at Sentencing

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that a 67-year-old defendant1 was found guilty by a jury of sexually abusing his great niece for years, beginning on her last day of kindergarten.

“Because of this defendant’s horrific actions, his great niece’s memory of her last day of kindergarten will not be a happy one – it will be a reminder of the day that her sexual abuse by a trusted family member began,” said District Attorney Tierney. “As a result of her courage in coming forward to testify against her abuser, the defendant now faces a lengthy prison sentence where he can no longer hurt her.”

The evidence at trial established that in June 2015, the victim’s family took her to a restaurant to celebrate her kindergarten graduation. When the victim needed to use the restroom, the defendant, her great uncle, took her there. After the child had used the bathroom, the defendant pulled down his pants and sexually abused her. The abuse continued whenever the child visited the defendant’s home, until the last incident in May 2020.

 The District Attorney is not naming the defendant in order to protect the identity of the child victim.

The victim told her mother about the abuse in April 2022, when she was twelve years old, during a conversation concerning the victim’s depression and self-image. Her mother reported the abuse to the police, and the Suffolk County Police Department arrested the defendant on April 13, 2022. On March 20, 2024, the defendant was convicted of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor, after a jury trial heard before County Court Judge Karen M. Wilutis.

The defendant is due back in court for sentencing on April 19, 2024, and faces up to 25 years in prison and 20 years of post-release supervision. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. The defendant is being represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney MacDonald Drane of the Child Abuseand Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Sergeant Lauren

Ventura of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Special Victims Section.

Congressman LaLota Invites HS Students To Participate In Art Contest

LaLota Announces 2024 Congressional Art Contest for New York First District Students

HAUPPAUGE, NY - Today, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) announced the launch of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition. This annual competition is conducted by the U.S. House of Representatives to showcase the talent of high school students from across the United States.

“It gives me great pleasure to invite every high school student in New York’s First District to participate in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. Last year saw so many students from every corner of the district submit incredible pieces to my office, truly showcasing the talent and ability of our community,” said LaLota. “This year’s theme is ‘Patriotic American Icons’ and while submissions are not limited to this, an ideal submission should recognize our nation’s proud history, accomplishments, and the individuals who sacrificed for all of us. I look forward to seeing the amazing pieces of art from our awesome students!”

2023 Winner Becca Hochman, Half Hollow Hills East, Isle’s Cabinet

This year’s winner will have their work displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for one calendar year and receive two round-trip tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend a Congressional reception honoring the winner from each Congressional district.

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students (9th – 12th grade) who reside or attend school in New York’s First Congressional District. The submission period for the Spring 2024 Congressional Art Competition is now open through Friday, April 5th, 2024 at 5 pm.

Artwork Entry Criteria:

• Rules for the Congressional Art Competition are available HERE.

• Must be two-dimensional and no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, 4 inches in depth

• Must be framed

• Must not weigh more than 15 pounds framed

• Medium types include painting, photography, drawing, mixed media, and others (i.e., computer-generated art, collages, etc.)

• Should be inspired by the theme “Patriotic American Icons” such as but in no way limited to the Washington Monument, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Grand Canyon, USS Arizona Memorial, Naval Academy Chapel and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in DC.

• Only one entry per student will be accepted

• Must be original in concept, design, and execution, and may not violate U.S. copyright laws

Submission Deadline and Instructions:

• All artwork must be received by Friday, April 5th, 2024, at 5:00 pm at my District Office, located at 515 Route 111, Suite 3B, Hauppauge, NY 11788.

• Make sure to include a copy of the 2024 Student Release Form in PDF format.

• For more information, visit https://lalota.house.gov/services/art-competition. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Peter Ganley in my office at peter.ganley@mail.house.gov or (631) 289-1097 with any questions.

Democratic Candidate Nancy Goroff Announces EMILYs List Endorsement

NANCY GOROFF ANNOUNCES EMILYS LIST ENDORSEMENT 

Building On The Support Goroff Has Already Received From 3.14 Action, Elect Democratic Women, And J Street

Stony Brook, NY — Today, Democratic candidate for Congress in New York’s 1st Congressional District Nancy Goroff announced an endorsement from EMILYs List,  the nation’s largest resource for women in politics that works to elect Democratic pro-choice women. This latest endorsement builds on the support she has already received from 3.14 Action, Elect Democratic Women, and J Street.

“Nick LaLota is a far-right extremist, and we’re building a broad coalition to defeat him in November,” said Nancy Goroff. “From a woman’s right to choose, to affordability and immigration, LaLota has shown he’s more interested in scoring cheap political points than working for the people of Suffolk. In Congress, I will stand up to extremists attacking reproductive freedom and our democracy, build an economy that works for all, and help fix our broken immigration system.”

EMILYs List President Jessica Mackler said of Goroff: “Nancy Goroff is a champion for Long Islanders who has spent her life serving and bettering her community. In Congress, she’ll fight for our reproductive freedom and stand up to the Republican plan to ban abortion not just for New Yorkers but for all Americans. EMILYs List is proud to support Goroff because we know she’s the best candidate to take this seat back from anti-choice extremist Nick LaLota and deliver results for the 1st Congressional District.”

About Nancy:

Nancy Goroff is a scientist, teacher, and community leader who built her life in Suffolk County, where she raised her two children, both proud graduates of Ward Melville HS. For over twenty years, she taught at Stony Brook University, and served as Chair of the Chemistry Department. At Stony Brook, Nancy helped develop entrepreneurship programs, pioneered research to make solar energy more affordable, and fought to provide healthcare to university researchers. She helped found a nonprofit to improve local schools and supported research on the effects technology has on children. Nancy currently lives in Stony Brook.

For more information visit www.GoroffForCongress.com/ or contact Maggie@GoroffForCongress.com

Woman Indicted For Stealing Money From Her Elderly Parents

FARMINGVILLE WOMAN INDICTED FOR GRAND LARCENY

Elizabeth M. Motti Allegedly Stole Nearly Half a Million Dollars from Her Vulnerable Elderly Parents’ Money to Gamble

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced the indictment of Elizabeth M. Motti, 55, of Farmingville, for allegedly stealing approximately $440,000 from her vulnerable elderly parents over a one-and-a-half-year period that she used to gamble at Jake’s 58 Casino.

According to the investigation, between April 2017 and November 2018, Motti allegedly stole a total of $440,063 from her parents’ bank accounts by using debit cards to make withdrawals in the amount of $355,046 at ATM machines located at Jake’s 58 Casino and by making cash withdrawals from their accounts in the amount of $85,017. Motti’s parents had moved in with her after her mother had surgery so Motti could be her caretaker.

On March 13, 2024, Motti was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro, for Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony.2 Justice Ambro ordered Motti to be released on her own recognizance. Under current New York State law, the offense for which Motti was indicted is considered non-bail eligible meaning prosecutors cannot ask for bail. Motti is being represented by the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County. Her next court date is April 18, 2024.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Donna M. Planty of the Financial Crimes Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Anthony Mezzapelle from the Suffolk County Police Department currently assigned to the Financial Crimes Bureau of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia Calls Out News 12 Over George Santos

Suffolk County Republican Committee Chairman Jesse Garcia Statement:  

Ratings Hail Mary Chosen Over Truth at News 12 

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“News 12 has made a terrible error in an effort to gain viewers with the decision to have George Santos as a guest on the network’s Power and Politics program. 

“It is beyond understanding how News 12-the primary cable television media outlet for this entire region-is providing a forum for a man who in a bi-partisan vote was thrown out of Congress for being exposed as a complete fraud who lied to voters and supporters. 

 

“It is a shameless attempt to gain viewers, and the decision will not go unnoticed by the dwindling number of Altice subscribers on Long Island.”

George Santos has announced that he intends to primary Republican Nick LaLota in Suffolk County’s CD 1.The primary is in June.  Santos, expelled from Congress earlier this year is currently facing 23 felony accounts to which he has pled not guilty.

W.Babylon Man Sentenced To 25 Years For Attempted Murder Of Wife

WEST BABYLON MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER OF WIFE

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that a 46-year-old West Babylon man1 was sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision after a jury found him guilty last month of attempted murder and other related charges, for stabbing his wife multiple times in front of their two young daughters.

“The trauma this defendant inflicted on his wife and children is unimaginable,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We are satisfied with this sentence, but we also understand it won’t take away the damage this defendant has irreversibly inflicted on his family.”

The evidence at trial established that on the morning of June 14, 2023, the victim was sleeping in the bedroom of their five and 11-year-old daughters after telling the defendant that she wanted to end the marriage. The defendant began knocking on the door, telling the victim that he wanted to speak with her in their bedroom, but the victim refused. The defendant pushed his way inside the children’s bedroom while holding a knife.

The District Attorney’s Office is not naming the defendant in order to protect the identities of the victim and the child witnesses. The defendant then stabbed the victim three times with a large kitchen knife while yelling that he was going to kill her and then kill himself because she was ruining his family. Their oldest daughter pleaded with the defendant to stop, and he told the children to go to another room. The defendant also took the victim’s phone so that she couldn’t call 911.

Although the victim was in and out of consciousness due to blood loss, she managed to leave the house to seek help from her neighbor. When the defendant realized the victim had left the home, he chased after her and began kicking her in the face. Their neighbor called 911 after hearing the commotion, and the defendant fled.

A Suffolk County Police Department K9 located the defendant in the rear of a commercial building a short distance away from the home. The victim was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital where she underwent blood transfusions and surgery to repair the injuries she sustained to her arm, hip, and buttocks.

On February 5, 2024, the defendant was convicted of the following charges after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei:

One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony;

One count of Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;

Two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Class A misdemeanors; and

One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

On March 11, 2024, the defendant was sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He was represented by Scott Zerner, Esq.

If you or anyone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please contact the Suffolk County Police Department. Additionally, to contact the 24-hour hotline for Long Island Against Domestic Violence, please call 631-666-8833. To contact the 24-hour Crisis Hopeline for ECLI VIBES, please call 631-360-3606.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Zachary Kelly of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau and Veronica McMahon of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Cory Malinowski of the Suffolk County Police Department’s First Squad.