Suffolk County Corrections Officer Indicted For Sexually Assaulting An Inmate

Jason Middleton Allegedly Forced an Inmate in the Riverhead Correctional Facility to

Perform Oral Sex on Him

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Jason Middleton, 35, a Suffolk County corrections officer, of Central Islip, was indicted for Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree and Official Misconduct for allegedly forcing an inmate to perform sex acts in the Riverhead Correctional Facility while he was on duty.

“Today we announce that the grand jury has returned an indictment against a corrections officer employed at the Riverhead Correctional Facility on charges related to alleged misconduct with an inmate,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This indictment is the result of a thorough investigation conducted by my office in partnership with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. We take allegations of misconduct by those in positions of authority seriously, especially when they involve vulnerable individuals in custody, and we are committed to pursuing justice and respecting the rights of all parties involved.”

“The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office has zero tolerance for the alleged actions of this employee,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “We will continue to work with the District Attorney’s Office for any further assistance needed with this case. The allegations against this officer are in no way a reflection of the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, who serve with honor every day.”According to the investigation, on a date between April 26, 2023, and September 29, 2023, while Middleton was working as a corrections officer in the Riverhead Correctional Facility and tasked with guarding inmates, he allegedly escorted an inmate into a utility walkway between jail cells that he knew to be a blind spot in security camera coverage. Once inside, he allegedly closed the door and ordered the inmate to perform oral sex upon him, and the inmate complied. Prior to the commission of the alleged sexual assault, Middleton had allegedly previously threatened the inmate that if the inmate ever disobeyed him, he would plant contraband in the inmate’s cell that would result in additional criminal charges filed against the inmate.

On November 24, 2023, members of the District Attorney’s Public Corruption Squad arrested Middleton. He has been suspended without pay since his arrest.

On October 11, 2024, Middleton was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis for Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, a Class E felony, and Official Misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor.

Justice Wilutis ordered Middleton placed on supervised release during the pendency of the case. Middleton is due back in court on November 25, 2024, and faces 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by James Pascarella, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Laura de Oliveira and Bureau Chief Kevin Ward of the Public Corruption Bureau.

DEC Annual Arbor Day Poster Contest Original Picture And Artwork

Original Picture and Artwork Submissions Accepted Until Dec. 31, 2024

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the start of DEC’s annual Arbor Day Poster contest. Each year, DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry Program coordinates the contest to promote the value of trees in the environment and New Yorkers’ lives. The winner of the contest will have their photo or artwork reproduced as the 2025 Arbor Day Poster to commemorate the holiday.

“Each year, Arbor Day reminds us to appreciate the vast benefits trees provide to ecosystems and public health, and as key tool in the fight against climate change,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. “All New Yorkers are encouraged to get outdoors this fall to enjoy and highlight the beauty and importance of New York’s trees with their photography and artwork.”

The annual Arbor Day Poster contest is sponsored by the New York State Arbor Day Committee, which includes DEC, the Empire State Forestry Foundation, the New York State Arborist Association, State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and Sylvamo North America. 

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “DEC’s Arbor Day Poster contest is an annual opportunity to honor New York’s forested land, which is so important to our health, our environment, and our economy. From giving us sap to make sweet maple syrup, to cleaning our air and enhancing the scenic beauty of our state, New York’s trees are a fantastic natural resource that contribute so much to the daily lives of New Yorkers and visitors alike.”

DEC is accepting original photograph and artwork submissions on behalf of the committee until 5 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2024. Entries must feature trees in New York State and be submitted through the online poster contest submission form.

Model consent forms are required for any discernable persons in photos. 

For more information about the contest, visit DEC’s website or email arborday@dec.ny.gov. To obtain past New York State Arbor Day posters, contact any local DEC forestry office or call 518-402-9428.

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

Ronkoma Man Pleads Guilty To Manslaughter For 2022 Double Homicide

RONKONKOMA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO MANSLAUGHTER FOR 2022 DOUBLE HOMICIDE 

Brian Cordovano(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Brian Cordovano, 50, of Ronkonkoma, pleaded guilty to two counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree, and other related charges, for killing two men – Ian Saalfield, 45, of Lake Grove, and Robert Julian, 59, of Selden, in April 2022.

“Today, Brian Cordovano pleaded guilty to killing Ian Saalfield and Robert Julian in a selfish and inexplicable act of violence,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I hope that this plea provides a measure of comfort to the victims’ families and friends as they continue to mourn these unnecessary and tragic losses. With this conviction, the victim’s families will be spared the further pain and anxiety of a trial, while ensuring that the community is protected from any further crimes by this defendant.”

On April 26, 2022, Saalfield was reported missing by his wife. She advised police that she last saw her husband the day before with Cordovano, his childhood friend. Saalfield’s wife saw her husband leave their home with Cordovano at approximately 8:00 p.m., when he drove off in Saalfield’s white 2015 Lexus. Saalfield never returned home. A few days later, on May 2, 2022, law enforcement found Saalfield’s Lexus abandoned in a parking lot in Holtsville. On that same day, police responded to a call from a Ronkonkoma motel where Cordovano was suffering from an overdose.

While Cordovano was being transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, the Suffolk County Police Department was able to link a silver 2004 Toyota Corolla left in the motel parking lot to Cordovano. A registration check revealed that the car belonged to Robert Julian. Police responded to Julian’s home and found the bodies of Saalfield and Julian inside, each dead due to gunshot wounds to the head. Investigators later determined that Cordovano killed the two on April 25, 2022.

On October 9, 2024, Cordovano pleaded guilty before County Court Judge Stephen L. Braslow, to:

 Two counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies;

 Three counts of Robbery in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies; and

 Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies.

Cordovano is due back in court for sentencing on November 20, 2024, and faces an agreed-upon sentence of 30 years in prison. He is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Schroeder of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Repperger of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

NYS Nurses Association Endorses John Avlon For Congress

New York State Nurses Association Endorses John Avlon for Congress 

Suffolk County, NY -  Today, the New York State Nurses Association Endorses (NYSNA) endorsed John Avlon for Congress. The endorsement comes following the release of Avlon’s latest TV ad about Nick LaLota’s broken promises and the announcement of Republicans for Avlon chaired by former Rep. Adam Kinzinger.

“Our ability to strengthen the healthcare system, our social safety net, and take action to support frontline workers depends on electing candidates who support nurses, healthcare professionals, and our communities. We are proud to endorse John Avlon for Congress. He shares nurses’ values of community and compassion and is committed to uplifting working people everywhere,” said NYSNA President and NNU Co-president Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN

John Avlon said: “Our nurses are heroes, and it is an honor to receive their endorsement. Every day, NYSNA members work hard to keep us healthy, safe and cared for. That’s why in Congress I will always fight for better, more affordable healthcare and to make sure our nurses work in safe workplaces. In Congress, I will always put working people first, that means lowering costs, bringing back SALT and defending reproductive freedoms. We’re building lots of momentum in this race and I am honored to have NYSNA on our team.”

Small Businesses Honored By Suffolk County Legislature

Recognizing Suffolk’s Small Businesses Suffolk County Legislature Recognizes County’s Economic Backbone Honors Bestowed from Each of the 18 Legislative Districts

HAUPPAUGE – Small businesses from across Suffolk County were recognized for their critical role as the backbone of the local economy.  Each of the 18 members of the Suffolk County Legislature introduced an honoree from their district at Tuesday’s General Meeting of the Legislature in the Rose Caracappa Auditorium of the William H. Rogers Legislative Building.

With this ceremony, the lawmakers honored individual businesses – with fewer than 25 employees—and noted the unique contributions to the community that these businesses and their owners make every day.  The businesses — ranging from restaurants, including pizzerias and delis, to insurance agencies, to local newspapers and salons – were each chosen for their standing within their community and were often cited for their civic and charitable endeavors.

“Our small businesses deserve to be recognized for their part in making Suffolk a thriving and desirable place to live,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey.  “From my district, I am pleased to be able to honor Peter Buccino, the proud owner of Viking Solutions in Lindenhurst since 2015. He started with the company, then named Cardwell Condenser Corporation, just a week after graduating from Copiague High School in 1979. Peter then worked his way up the ladder all the way to taking ownership in 2015.”

“Peter is an active member of the business community locally and across the county. He is the First Vice President of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce, an Executive Board Member of the Lindenhurst Chamber, and a member of the North Babylon and Montauk Chambers. Peter Buccino’s smiling face can be seen at many events in the district. He is a truly a small business success and embodies the spirit of this award,” said McCaffrey.

Across the United States, small businesses employ nearly half the American workforce, representing 43.5% of America’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the US Chamber of Commerce. Suffolk County itself is home to many thousands of small businesses. As a partial measure of the number and variety of small businesses, the Suffolk County Department Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs notes that there are over 15,800 active licenses and registrations for businesses. The wide range of businesses encompasses, for example, appliance repair, painters, electricians, plumbers, sign hangers, precious metal dealers, dry cleaners, and more.

Guilty Plea In Multimillion-Dollar Check-Kiting Scheme

Owner of Medford School Bus Company Ran Multimillion-Dollar Check-Kiting Scheme to Keep Insolvent Businesses Operating  

in federal court in Central Islip, John B. Mensch, the former owner and operator of East End Bus Lines, Inc. and its affiliated entities (East End), pleaded guilty in connection with a nearly year-long bank fraud conspiracy.  The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury.  When sentenced, Mensch faces up to five years’ imprisonment as well as financial penalties, including restitution to two victim banks of approximately $9.6 million.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Patrick J. Freaney, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, New York Office, announced the guilty plea.

“Rather than take lawful steps to wind down his failing businesses, John Mensch resorted to criminality, operating a scheme to defraud two banks into advancing him millions of dollars that neither Mensch nor his company ever had, or had any realistic expectation of obtaining,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Mensch’s fraud resulted in the banks unwittingly subsidizing several months of his financial mismanagement.  This Office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute criminals like Mensch who, through fraud and deception, seek to use financial institutions as a personal piggy bank.”

“This lengthy investigation brings down a ringleader who willfully swindled banking partners through the extensive use of fraudulent checks – siphoning millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains to his own coffers,” stated Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Freaney. “”I want to commend the many investigators who saw this comprehensive case to a successful conclusion. From the Secret Service Long Island Resident Office to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and our prosecutorial partners at the Eastern District of New York, the law enforcement community in New York remains steadfast in its commitment to hold these types of insidious criminals accountable.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy stated, “Desperate to restore his failing business, John Mensch, the owner of East End Lines, defrauded two banks of more than $9 million through an elaborate check-bouncing scheme. He exploited company privileges to immediately access fraudulent funds while his business was running on empty. The FBI will continue to investigate individuals who deceptively cash in on financial assistance programs.”

As set forth in the information and statements made during the plea proceeding, Mensch was the owner and operator of East End, a transportation company that provided busing services for students on Long Island and elsewhere.  Between 2017 and September 2018, East End maintained numerous accounts—and was granted expedited check-clearing privileges—at banks located in Suffolk County and Orange County, New York.  Those privileges meant that when East End deposited a check, the company would have near-immediate access to the deposited funds, even before the check cleared.  Mensch and other East End executives abused those privileges by engaging in an elaborate “check-kiting” scheme—that is, passing fraudulent checks between East End’s various accounts to keep East End operational despite being effectively insolvent. 

Specifically, Mensch and other East End executives drew checks on East End’s bank accounts at Financial Institution #1, despite those accounts having insufficient funds to cover the checks.  Those bad checks were deposited into East End’s bank accounts at Financial Institution #2, which, unaware that the checks would eventually bounce, allowed East End immediate access to the funds.  East End withdrew those funds to meet various financial obligations and then, before the checks bounced, conducted the same process in the reverse, drawing bad checks on its Financial Institution #2 accounts and depositing them into its Financial Institution #1 accounts to create the false impression that funds were available to cover the earlier checks.  This reciprocal process continued, with the banks advancing East End non-existent funds for several months until the scheme was detected in September 2018.  By that time, East End had obtained millions of dollars from Financial Institution #1 and Financial Institution #2, all of which it had spent while continuing to operate at a deficit. 

In July 2022, Mr. Peace was selected as the Chairperson of the White Collar Fraud subcommittee for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC).  As the leader of the subcommittee, Mr. Peace plays a key role in making recommendations to the AGAC to facilitate the prevention, investigation and prosecution of various financially motivated, non-violent crimes including frauds directed at financial institutions, such as those Mensch committed.

The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Bagnuola and Adam R. Toporovsky are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

JOHN B. MENSCH
Age:  54
Quogue, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-334 (NJC)

E.Northport Man Convicted Of Sexual Abuse Of Toddler

EAST NORTHPORT RESIDENT CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ABUSING A TODDLER AND CREATING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Dakota Rose to Receive Maximum Sentence Allowed by Law of 7 to 15 Years in Prison and 10 Years of Post-Release Supervision

Dakota Rose to Receive Maximum Sentence Allowed by Law of 7 to 15 Years in Prison and 10 Years of Post-Release Supervision(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Dakota Rose, 25, of East Northport, pleaded guilty to Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, for sexually abusing a three-year-old child while videotaping the abuse and further disseminating the video.

“This defendant sexually exploited a young child and thought he could get away with it,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the tipster who reported this vile criminal activity to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), this defendant will be held responsible for his crimes and a young victim will be spared from having to testify at trial.”

According to court documents and Rose’s admissions during the guilty plea allocution, on February 17, 2024, the Suffolk County Police Department Digital Forensics Unit received a tip from the NCMEC that alleged that child sexual abuse material was disseminated via social media from a residential location in East Northport. Further investigation led law enforcement to Rose’s home.

On March 12, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Rose’s home, leading to the seizure of numerous electronic devices. Investigators were able to identify both Rose and the toddler from the disseminated video on one of the seized electronic devices.

The investigation further resulted in the discovery of two additional videos of child pornography on Rose’s phone and it was determined that Rose exchanged all three videos with other individuals through both social media and text messages, including on at least one occasion in exchange for money.

On September 30, 2024, Rose pleaded guilty to Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance, a Class C felony, and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D Violent felony, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis.

Rose is due back in court on November 14, 2024, and is being represented by Scott Zerner, Esq. Rose is expected to receive a sentence of 7 to 15 years in prison with 10 years of post-release supervision.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tara Laterza of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Gregory Pranzo of the Suffolk County Police Department Digital Forensics Unit.

Smithtown Man Pleads Guilty to $1 Million Covid-19 Fraud

Defendant Fraudulently Obtained Disaster Relief Loans and Used Proceeds to Invest in Cryptocurrency

Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Carmine G. Agnello pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with his receipt of approximately $1.1 million in small business loans under the United States Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDLP).  Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury.  When sentenced, Agnello faces up to 30 years in prison, as well as restitution totaling more than $940,000 and a fine of up to $2.2 million.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Daniel Brubaker, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS), announced the guilty plea.

“The defendant shamefully used the public health and economic crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to line his pockets with stolen funds,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “The reality is, those who engaged in blatant theft of taxpayer dollars intended to assist legitimate businesses and their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic should know that despite the passage of time, there is no free pass for their crimes and they will be vigorously prosecuted by the Office.”

“Agnello allegedly used over $1 Million in COVID relief funds for his own financial gain. Government money that was intended to assist struggling businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Postal Inspectors will relentlessly pursue any individuals who scheme to defraud the government and steal taxpayer funds. We, along with our law enforcements partners, will not end this pursuit of justice until those who take advantage of the U.S. Mail to commit fraud are held fully accountable. Today’s guilty plea is proof of that fact. I would like to thank our partners in Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York, for their work on this investigation,” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge Brubaker.

Congress created the EIDLP as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  Enacted on March 29, 2020, the CARES Act provided emergency financial assistance in connection with economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the EIDLP, which provided low-interest financing to small businesses, renters and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters. 

As set forth in court filings, between April 2020 and November 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Agnello fraudulently applied for, and received, at least three EIDLP loans totaling approximately $1.1 million that he submitted on behalf of Crown Auto Parts & Recycling, LLC (Crown), a Jamaica, Queens-based business that he operated.  As part of the scheme, Agnello submitted documentation to the Small Business Administration and financial institution responsible for disbursing the funds, that falsely claimed he had no criminal record when, in reality, he had a  2018 misdemeanor conviction.  Agnello also submitted false information about the number of employees that worked for Crown and the intended use of the loan proceeds. Instead of using the funds for disaster relief, Agnello diverted them for his personal use, including by investing approximately $420,000 in a cryptocurrency business.

The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division.  Assistant United States Attorney Bradley T. King is in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

CARMINE G. AGNELLO
Age:  38 
Smithtown, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-366 (NJC)

October 15 Begins Open Enrollment For Medicare

Get Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment Season

Free Medicare Open Enrollment Assistance Through FCA

 

By Barry Klitsberg, Nassau County Medicare Counselor, FCA (October 15 marks the beginning of Open Enrollment for Medicare. The following article was submitted by  the Family & Children’s Association (FCA) it offers guidance for those navigating Open Enrollment for themselves or a senior in their life. FCA provides free assistance to people with questions about Medicare.)

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It’s Open Enrollment Time for Medicare beneficiaries. This means that from October 15 through December 7, people enrolled in Medicare have the opportunity to change their current Medicare drug plan or their Medicare Advantage plan. Navigating Medicare and choosing a plan that best meets your needs can be tricky. Our health care needs change over time, so you should carefully consider your foreseeable health care needs each year. A plan that worked previously may not be the best choice going forward.

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Medicare is a federally run health insurance program for people who are 65 years of age or have collected Social Security Disability for 24 months. It is also available for individuals with permanent kidney failure or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

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If you are not yet collecting Social Security, you have to apply for Medicare during the three month period before your 65th birthday. Upon turning 65 you are eligible for coverage and can choose a plan to cover your needs. For people already enrolled in Medicare, the ability to change their existing plan is generally limited to the Open Enrollment period.

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As we head into the Medicare Open Enrollment season, it is important for people to read mail from their current health plans to see if there are any changes that might impact them for 2024. You should have this notice by October 1. Plans frequently change their premiums, co-pays, deductibles, and formularies.

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Providers may leave or be added to a plan’s network. It is important to keep informed about your coverage. The Medicare & You 2025 booklet, which arrives in homes of all eligible for Medicare by late September, contains valuable information about Medicare benefits and a description of changes for next year. Medicare beneficiaries should review their coverage during the Open Enrollment period to determine if their current coverage is still the right one for them.

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Medicare beneficiaries who are in a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO or PPO) and don’t change their plan by December 7^th will have an additional opportunity to switch Medicare Advantage plans between January 1 and March 31. 

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The Medicare website (www.medicare.gov) can help you reevaluate and compare available plans. 

If you don’t have ready access to a computer otherwise need assistance, Family and Children’s Association (FCA) can help guide you through the process with free help available by calling its Nassau County Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) at 516-485-3754. 

One of our counselors will be happy to assist you. FCA’s HIICAP is a free service that has trained counselors who can provide you with unbiased expertise on what Medicare plan can best meet your individual needs

Kings Park Fire Department Recognized By Legislator Trotta

Legislator Rob Trotta Recognizes the Kings Park Fire Department as his Legislative District’s 2024 Volunteer Firefighters and EMS Personnel

Legislator Rob Trotta (left) congratulates Chief Phillip Carroll of the Kings Park Fire Department and presents him with a proclamation to recognize this honor.(Smithtown, NY)…The Suffolk County Legislature passed legislation designating the first week in August as Firefighter and EMS Personnel Volunteer Week to recognize these volunteers for donating their time, expertise and resources to make Suffolk County a safer place to live.

Legislator Trotta realizes that all volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel are dedicated men and women who stop what they are doing at any given time to respond to an emergency. Instead of picking one person, he decided to give this recognition to the entire Kings Park Fire Department and EMS Personnel.

The King Park Fire Department started in 1913 and has 90 members who respond to over 2000 calls a year, which is almost six calls a day. It covers the areas of Kings Park, San Remo and Fort Salonga.

Its members are responsible for dealing with fires and medical emergencies, car and boating accidents, hazardous materials cases, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, and other situations that may arise. During the summer, the local parks can add to the 17,000 people that the department serves. On some weekends, Sunken Meadow State Park, which is in Kings Park, can have up to 60,000 visitors a day.

“I commend these men and women for their tireless dedication and for demonstrating their commitment to meet the needs of the community twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.