(Long Island, NY) Homicide Squad detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in Hempstead on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at 1:10 A.M.

According to detectives, three male subjects stabbed a male victim, Rolando Cruz, 39, of Freeport, after a verbal altercation in front of El Nuevo bar located at 219 Fulton Ave.

Nassau County Police are investigating a homicide that occurred in Hempstead on Sunday, April 10. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

Cruz, who was transported to a local hospital, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by a staff physician at 1:35 A.M.

There is no description of the subjects or further information about the deceased at this time.

Detectives ask anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

(Long Island, NY) The Third Squad reports the arrest of three individuals for a Robbery that occurred on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 6:05 p.m. in Stewart Manor.

According to detectives, Jason Kroll, 32 of Shirley, Heather McCormack, 27, of Mastic and Christopher Giardiello, 26 of Mattituck pulled into the Express Gas Station located at 600 Tulip Avenue and asked the male attendant for assistance with their Jeep Cherokee.

Mug shot of Jason Kroll, 32 of Shirley. Photo Credit: NCPD.

While Kroll spoke to the attendant near the vehicle, McCormack was in the driver seat and Giardiello entered the store. When the attendant re-entered the store he confronted Giardiello as he exited armed with a knife and cash from the register.

Mug shot of Heather McCormack, 27, of Mastic. Photo Credit: NCPD.

A struggle ensued at which time Kroll grabbed the victim from behind and began to choke him allowing Giardiello to flee the scene with the proceeds. A second male employee came to assist the victim and was able to detain Kroll until police arrived.

Mug shot of Christopher Giardiello, 26 of Mattituck. Photo Credit: NCPD.

Fifth Precinct Officers located McCormack and Giardiello at Meacham Avenue and News Avenue in Elmont where they conducted a vehicle stop and placed them under arrest. A Subsequent investigation discovered the three subjects were involved in a larceny that occurred on March 26, 2016 at OK Gas Station located at 66 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square.

Giardiello, McCormack, and Kroll are all charged with Robbery 1st degree, and two counts of Grand Larceny 4th degree. Giardiello is additionally charged with Possession of a Dangerous Weapon 4th degree. Kroll is also charged with Obstruction of Breathing. They were arraigned on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at First District Court in Hempstead.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Long Island, NY) Members of the Nassau/Suffolk Heroin Task Force, after conducting an operation involving the sale of heroin, arraigned a meeting with Jason Perez, 30, of Brooklyn, to purchase 400 bags of heroin from him.

After Perez arrived at a prearranged location in Wantagh, he attempted to sell, to an undercover detective, bags of heroin and was subsequently arrested without incident.

Nassau County Police report the arrest of Jason Perez, 30, of Brooklyn, for selling heroin to an undercover officer in Wantagh. Photo Credit: NCPD.

During his arrest, Perez was found to be in possession of 390 bags containing heroin.

The defendant is charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree. He will be arraigned in First District Court, Hempstead on 04/10/2016.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Long Island, NY) Third Squad detectives are investigating a Robbery that occurred on Friday, April 8, 2016 at 10:30 pm in Williston Park.

According to detectives, a male white entered Dunkin Donuts, 276 Hillside Avenue, produced a knife and demanded the store employee open the cash register. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the subject fled the store westbound on Hillside Avenue.

Nassau County Police are investigating a Robbery that occurred on Friday, April 8 in Williston Park. Photo Credit: NCPD.

The uninjured employee described the subject as wearing light colored gloves as well what appeared to be a light colored surgical mask covering his face.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

(Long Island, NY) Adriano Espaillat held a rally on Saturday, April 9 to mark the opening of his Bronx office. The event was attended by scores of Espaillat supporters and Bronx leaders. Espaillat has received several key endorsements in the Bronx; including Councilman Ritchie Torres, State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assemblyman Victor Pichardo.

At the event Espaillat reiterated his pledge to bring a new focus to the borough when elected to Congress by opening up a Bronx district office on day one. Adriano Espaillat and Bronx leaders addressed an enthusiastic crowd, discussing key issues impacting Bronx families.

Adriano Espaillat held a rally on Saturday, April 9 to mark the opening of his Bronx office. Photo Credit: Espaillat for Congress.

“Today, I’m glad to join my colleague Adriano Espaillat at the grand opening of his Bronx’s campaign office,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “In doing so, Adriano is demonstrating with actions that his campaign is strongly committed to hear directly from Bronxites about the issues that affect their everyday lives. If elected, I have no doubt that, from day one, Adriano will proudly represent our borough and be the dedicated advocate that the Bronx needs in Congress.”

“Today’s grand opening of Adriano Espaillat’s campaign office is an exciting moment for New York’s Thirteenth Congressional District,” said Assemblymemeber Victor M. Pichardo. “Adriano understands the needs of this diverse and vibrant community, and I know that he will do an exceptional job fighting for his neighbors’ interests in Congress.”

“Adriano Espaillat is a proven progressive leader with 18 years in the State Legislature that will bring change to a district that hasn’t seen change in more than 40 years,” said District Leader yudelka tapia.

“A new focus must be brought to the Bronx,” said Adriano Espaillat. “When I am elected to Congress, I will open up a district office in the Bronx on day one and work tirelessly to make the Bronx a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

The 13th congressional district stretches from East Harlem to Inwood in Northern Manhattan and covers parts of the Bronx.

(Long Island, NY) The Homicide Squad is investigating a Homicide that occurred on Saturday, April 09, 2016 at 3:56 a.m. in Roosevelt.

According to detectives, a victim, Allen Simpkins Jr., 46, of Roosevelt was discovered lying on the ground in front of a John Street residence.

Nassau County Police are investigating a Homicide that occurred on Saturday, April 09 in Roosevelt. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The victim suffered from an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased at scene by a Nassau County Advanced Medical Technician.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding the above crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Senator Croci  Hosted the “New York State Joint Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction” and a Free Substance Abuse Awareness and Opioid Overdose Prevention Training Class

(Long Island, NY) Senator Thomas Croci (R, C, I – Sayville), member of the New York State Senate Heroin Task Force and also of the State Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, will host the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction on Long Island tomorrow. The Task Force has been traveling state-wide hosting public forums to gather testimony and input on the epidemic of increased heroin abuse in New York State.

Increasing numbers of fatal overdoses from heroin or opioid have spiked across the country, leading to national and local epidemics, including in New York with Suffolk County reporting 103 overdoses last year alone. Newsday also recently reported that Suffolk County has instituted a waiting list for their four clinics and currently has grown to over 200 people.

“The purpose of this forum is to gather the stakeholders and public together to address the scourge of the heroin epidemic that has reached across the United States and to here on Long Island. Deaths and overdoses continue to increase and we must gather as much information as we can in order to make meaningful change to combat heroin and opioid abuse together,” stated Senator Croci.

“Addiction is a disease that tears families apart. One person may use, but the whole family suffers,” said Senator Murphy. “We have coordinated  these forums as a way to disseminate valuable information, and in turn, to hear from members of the community whose lives have been affected by this heinous epidemic. I encourage the people of Long Island to hear about the progress the Heroin Task Force is making and to contribute to our efforts.”

Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction Co-Chair Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I – North Tonawanda) said, “The Task Force has hosted several forums across the state and has heard countless, tragic stories from families who have lost loved ones to heroin and opioid abuse. I commend those families and those struggling with substance abuse for coming forward and sharing their stories. Ultimately, it’s their testimony that helps us to shape vital, sensible legislation that will help to curb the scourge of this widespread epidemic, put more drug dealers behind bars and save lives.”

Senator Ken LaValle, a member of the Heroin Task Force, said, “The heroin crisis is affecting nearly every community throughout Long Island.  It’s widespread and touches individuals in every social and economic group.  It’s critically important that we pull out all the stops to halt this epidemic now.”

“My colleagues and I on the State Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction have won many battles in the war against heroin and opioid addiction over the years, but the fight is far from over. It is essential that we continue to hold these public meetings to obtain important feedback from treatment providers, law enforcement and those suffering from addiction across the State of New York. We also need to assure our communities that we are still fighting for them in Albany and that progress is being made,” said Senator Phil Boyle.

“Heroin remains an epidemic that affects every single community. Since its inception, the Task Force has been soliciting input from community leaders, law enforcement, treatment providers, and other stakeholders which has led to new laws to combat this epidemic comprehensively. Maintaining that dialogue and receiving additional feedback is of paramount importance as we continue to address this crisis on all fronts,” said Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate District).

“I’d like to thank Senator Croci for hosting this forum so the Task Force can continue to gather information that will help in our continuing efforts to address the heroin crisis we are facing in New York State,” said Senator Amedore.

“As members of the bipartisan Joint Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, my colleagues and I have worked very hard to deliver funding and gather testimony and input on the epidemic of increased heroin abuse in New York State. By partnering with our local police agencies, schools and community groups to hear testimony, it helps to raise awareness and bring together children, parents, doctors and other officials to have this dialogue and hopefully save lives,” said Senator Michael Venditto (R, C, I- Massapequa).

Following the Senate Heroin Task Force hearing forum, Senator Croci will host a free Narcan training event at the Sayville Ambulance Company starting at 6 p.m. The registration for the event has closed because it has reached full capacity. Senator Croci will host future Narcan trainings are scheduled to occur in July and September.

“The sheer demand at the Narcan trainings I have been hosting in Suffolk County is evidence of the heroin epidemic because hundreds are attending the trainings to learn how to save a life from an opioid overdose. We have reached capacity every time we have hosted an event,” stated Senator Croci.

All media inquiries should be directed to Senator Croci’s Communications Specialist, Christine Geed at (631) 398-8044 (call or text) or via email at geed@nysenate.gov.  Inquiries for additional information should be directed to Senator Croci’s Press Secretary, Jennifer Romero at (631) 513-5657 or via email at jromero@nysenate.gov.

(Long Island, NY) Calvin O. Butts, III, president of the State University of New York at Old Westbury, has announced that Michael J. Dowling, president and chief executive officer of Northwell Health, will address the Class of 2016during the two ceremonies that comprise the College’s 50th Commencement, to be held on May 22, 2016.

“I am pleased and excited to have as our speaker the leader of a team of 54,000 employees who are focused each day on securing the health and well-being of those who live and work in our community and communities across our state,” said Dr. Butts.  “Mr. Dowling is a national leader on critical issues in the health care and human service arena and is widely recognized for his professionalism and commitment to serving others.  I look forward to hearing the advice and insight he will provide to the Class of 2016.”

Approximately 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students are expected to participate in the commencement ceremonies. Graduates of programs in the School of Arts and Sciences will process at 9 a.m., while graduates of the School of Business and School of Education will process at 3 p.m.  Both programs will take place on the College’s Panther Park Athletic Field.

As the leader of the largest integrated healthcare system in New York State, Mr. Dowling guides Northwell as it seeks to deliver world-class clinical care throughout the New York metropolitan area; pioneering research at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research; a visionary approach to medical education; and healthcare coverage to individuals, families and businesses through the CareConnect Insurance Co., Inc.

Prior to becoming president and CEO in 2002, Mr. Dowling was the health system’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.  Before joining NorthwellHealth in 1995, he was a senior vice president at Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield.   Mr. Dowling also served in New York State government for 12 years, including seven years as state director of Health, Education and Human Services and deputy secretary to the governor. He was also commissioner of the New York State Department of Social Services. Before his public service career, Mr. Dowling was a professor of social policy and assistant dean at the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services, and director of the Fordham campus in Westchester County.

Mr. Dowling has been honored with many awards over the years. They include: the 2012 B’nai B’rith National Healthcare Award, the 2011 Gail L. Warden Leadership Excellence Award from the National Center for Healthcare Leadership, the National Human Relations Award from the American Jewish Committee, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Public Service Award from the State University of New York’s Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, and an Outstanding Public Service Award from both the Mental Health Association of New York State and the Mental Health Association of Nassau County.

Mr. Dowling is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, serves as a board member of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, and as a board member and Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. He is also past chairman and current board member of the National Center for Healthcare Leadership, the Greater New York Hospital Association, the Healthcare Association of New York State and the League of Voluntary Hospitals of New York.

SUNY Old Westbury is a selective public liberal arts college with more than 4,400 students studying in more than 40 undergraduate degree opportunities in its liberal arts and professional programs and 16 graduate programs in business, education, liberal studies and mental health counseling.  On the College’s 604-acre campus, students are challenged to take ownership of their futures through an environment that demands academic excellence, fosters intercultural understanding, and endeavors to stimulate a passion for learning and a commitment to building a more just and sustainable world. For more information on SUNY Old Westbury, visit www.oldwestbury.edu.

“Morning Edition” Host/Anchor on WNYC Coming April 27

(Long Island, NY) Soterios Johnson, local host of National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition” on New York City public-radio station WNYC, is coming to Farmingdale State College on Wednesday, April 27.

His talk will take place in the Little Theater in Roosevelt Hall from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.The event – sponsored by Farmingdale’s Artists & Lecturers Speaker Series – is free and open to the public.

WNYC Radio host Soterios Johnson is coming to Farmingdale State College. Photo Credit: WNYC.

Johnson grew up in New Jersey, where as a high schooler he worked at a local FM station. That led to four years at WKCR, while he did his undergraduate work at Columbia University. He continued his studies at Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism, where he earned a master’s degree.Johnson worked in science journalism for several years, and as associate producer at Newsweek On Air.

Farmingdale’s Artists & Lecturers Speaker Series was created to enrichthe cultural, intellectual, and social life of the campus and the greater community. ALSS sponsors lectures, art exhibits, and performances.

Farmingdale State College prepares students with the education, skills, and critical thinking needed to meet tomorrow’s challenges. As the largest of SUNY’s colleges of technology (with almost 8,700 students), FSC equips students with the resources and knowledge sought by today’s emerging industries. Offering bachelor and associate degrees, FSC will soon offer its first graduate program.  At FSC, students learn in small, personalized classes and have abundant opportunities for applied learning—internships, clinical training, and guided research—that provide practical instruction and personal growth. Located an hour east of Manhattan, the campus offers residential halls, a lush 380-acre campus undergoing major renovation, and a highly successful NCAA Division III athletics program with modern facilities to make FSC one of the fastest-growing colleges in the region. In addition, in 2015, 2014 and 2013, FSC was listed one of the best colleges in the North and in 2013 FSC was the only SUNY school (and the only LI school) listed in the LEAST debt category in the section titled Student Debt Load at Graduation for regional colleges in the north. In 2015 UniversityPrimeTime.com again listed FSC the fifth safest college in the nation. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/farmingdale.

(Long Island, NY) “Please join me for a special presentation by Ray Donnelly, a veteran advisor with more than 25 years experience in Long Term Care (LTC) planning,” said Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau).  “He will focus on the complex issues of LTC including several tax law changes as well as the intricacies of LTC insurance, which has become a critical component in retirement planning priorities.”

The Workshop takes place on Monday, April 18^th, from 10:00 to 11:30 am, at St. Paul’s Cluett Hall (295 Stewart Avenue, Garden City).

Attendees will learn how Long Term Care planning can help them to set realistic goals for their financial future, enjoy a comfortable retirement, maintain control of their assets, and plan for an orderly distribution of those assets to loved ones.

The event is FREE, but reservations are required. Those wishing to attend may call Senator Hannon’s Community Office at 516-739-1700, or visit his website: www.kemphannon.com to reserve a seat directly.

“I urge anyone who is interested in learning more about this to attend,” said Hannon.