Here’s a roundup of recent crime activity across Suffolk County, where a variety of offenses have kept local law enforcement busy. From a bold daylight burglary in Port Jefferson Station to a theft of high-end merchandise in Setauket, and the crackdown on illegal sales of vape products and alcohol to minors in Mount Sinai, Suffolk police are seeking public assistance to bring suspects to justice. Additionally, a Medford metal shredding facility faces significant penalties for violating federal air quality regulations.
Burglars Steal $12,000 Worth of Goods from Port Jeff Station Shed
Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two men who burglarized a shed at a Port Jefferson Station business in broad daylight. The burglary took place on June 23, 2024, at 1:25 p.m. at Caribbean Flavors, located at 407A Patchogue Road.
The two suspects broke into the shed and made off with valuable items, including two electric bikes, a cement hand drill, and a Honda electric generator. The stolen goods have an estimated value of approximately $12,000.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers, in conjunction with the Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives, are urging anyone with information on the suspects to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, using the P3 Tips mobile app, or visiting the website www.P3Tips.com. A cash reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.
Duo Caught on Camera Stealing $499 Vacuum from Setauket Kohl’s
A man and woman are wanted in connection with the theft of a Shark vacuum from a Setauket Kohl’s store last month. The incident occurred on July 17, 2024, at 2:05 p.m. at the store located at 5000 Nesconset Highway.
The suspects were caught on surveillance video as they made off with the high-end vacuum cleaner, valued at $499.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are now seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the suspects. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers via 1-800-220-TIPS, the P3 Tips mobile app, or by visiting www.P3Tips.com. Anonymous tips may qualify for a cash reward.
Two Arrested for Selling Vapes and Alcohol to Minors in Mount Sinai
Two employees at Mount Sinai businesses were arrested for selling vape products and alcohol to an underage customer during a police sting operation on August 24, 2024. The arrests came in response to community complaints about underage sales at local businesses.
Tyler Conti, 25, of Mount Sinai, was working at Island Vapor, located at 31 Route 25A, when he was caught selling flavored vape products to an underage person. He has been charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the Second Degree.
At a separate location, Sarowar Hussain, 25, of Holtsville, was employed at Beer and Cigar, located at 39 Route 25A. He was charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the First Degree for selling alcohol to an underage person and Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the Second Degree for selling flavored vape products to the same customer.
Both Conti and Hussain were issued Field Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Medford Metal Shredding Facility Caught Violating Clean Air Act
A Medford metal shredding facility has agreed to pay a $555,000 civil penalty and install pollution control technology as part of a settlement with the U.S. government over violations of the Clean Air Act. The settlement, announced on August 20, 2024, by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), targets Gershow Recycling Corporation for its emission of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The violations stemmed from Gershow’s failure to install necessary pollution controls at its facility, which processes scrap automobiles and other materials. The shredding process generated heat that vaporized plastics, paints, and oils, releasing VOCs into the air. These emissions contributed to ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant linked to respiratory issues and other health problems.
“This Office will vigorously enforce the Clean Air Act to protect local communities from harmful air pollution,” stated U.S. Attorney Breon Peace. “This settlement requires Gershow to implement critical emission control technology that will help improve air quality for local communities, including those with the most vulnerable residents.”
As part of the Consent Judgment, Gershow must now obtain the required operating permits and install equipment designed to reduce VOC emissions by over 49 tons per year. The settlement also includes a 30-day public comment period before the Consent Judgment is entered by the court.
Lisa F. Garcia, EPA’s Regional Administrator, emphasized the health benefits of the settlement, stating, “Thanks to EPA’s action, people in and around Medford will breathe cleaner air and avoid harmful pollution.”
