(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that injured a male and female driver and resulted in the the arrest of one driver for Driving While Intoxicated in Smithtown on Tuesday, November 24.

Michael Maxwell, who is a District Attorney investigator for Suffolk County, was operating a County vehicle, a 2008 Ford Explorer, eastbound on Route 347 (Nesconset Highway) when his vehicle struck a 2004 Toyota Sequoia operated by Amanda Dellegar, of Hauppauge, who was traveling southbound on Mount Pleasant Road at 1:05 a.m.

Suffolk County Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that resulted in the the arrest of Amanda Dellegar, 20, of Hauppauge for Driving While Intoxicated in Smithtown on Tuesday, November 24. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

Following the crash, the Toyota struck a building, located at 227 Mount Pleasant Road. Maxwell, the driver of the Explorer, was pinned inside his vehicle and was extricated by officers from the Suffolk County Police Emergency Services Section.

Maxwell, 52, and Dellegar, 20, were transported via Smithtown Rescue to Stony Brook University Hospital where they are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Dellegar was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated. She will be arraigned in First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.

The investigation is continuing. Detectives are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Vehicular Crime Unit at 631-852-6555.

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) First Squad detectives are investigating a robbery that occurred in Uniondale on Monday, 11/23/15 at 8:15 P.M.

According to detectives, a male subject, armed with a knife, entered Tesoro Café located at 976 Front St. and demanded the female employee open the cash register. The victim complied and the defendant removed an undisclosed amount of cash from the drawer.

Nassau County Police are investigating a robbery that occurred in Uniondale on Monday, 11/23. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The defendant fled on foot southbound on Maple Ave. There was one additional female employee present in restaurant at the time of the robbery and no patrons.

No injuries were reported.

The subject is described as a male Hispanic, 20-30 years of age, approximately 5’6” tall, 150 lbs., wearing a dark ski mask, maroon hooded sweatshirt with a gray shirt over it, and black knit gloves. No further description is available.

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) Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fifth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate three men who passed counterfeit money at a store in Sayville earlier this year.

Suffolk County Police are seeking the public’s help to identify three men who passed counterfeit money at a store in Sayville earlier this year. Photo Credit: SCPD.

On June 21, at approximately 9:20 p.m., three men passed $100 counterfeit bills at the Target located at 5750 Sunrise Highway.

On June 21 three men passed $100 counterfeit bills at the Target in Sayville. Photo Credit: SCPD.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

The alleged crime took place at approximately 9:20 p.m. at the Target located at 5750 Sunrise Highway. Photo Credit: SCPD.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the individual who stole a wallet in August.

On August 8, a victim left his wallet in his Ford Explorer parked at PK Metals, located at 3542 Route 112 in Coram. A suspect entered vehicle and removed a wallet containing personal papers and a credit card.

Suffolk County Police are seeking the public’s help to identify the individual who stole a wallet in August. Photo Credit: SCPD.

The following day a man used the victim’s debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM located inside of Walmart, located at 161 Centereach Mall in Centereach. The man was described as a white male wearing tan-colored shorts, a gray t-shirt and glasses.

On August 8, a suspect entered a Ford Explorer and removed a wallet. The next day a man used the victim’s debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM located inside of Walmart in Centereach. Photo Credit: SCPD.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a 17-year-old in Central Islip on Monday, November 23.

Anthony Fucci was driving a 1999 Honda Civic northbound on Lowell Avenue when he apparently lost control of his vehicle and struck a south bound 2008 Toyota Sequoia near Satinwood Street. Fucci, of Central Islip, was ejected from his Honda.

Suffolk County Police are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a 17-year-old in Central Islip on Monday, November 23. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

He was transported to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore via Central Islip-Hauppauge Volunteer Ambulance where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the Toyota, Vladimir Moreno, 33, of Central Islip, and his 4-year-old and 9-year-old sons, were also transported to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore where they were treated for minor injuries.

Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks and the investigation is continuing. Detectives ask anyone with information about this crash to call the Third Squad at 631-854-8352.

(Long Island, NY) First squad detectives are investigating an Assault that occurred on Monday, November 23, 2015 at 11:15 am in Roosevelt.

According to detectives, while on E. Pennywood Avenue and walking towards a local deli, the victim, a 17 year old male, was confronted by a male black subject who was cursing to himself and rambling incoherently.

Nassau County Police are investigating an Assault that occurred on Monday, November 23 in Roosevelt. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The subject then confronted the victim without reason, produced a knife and stabbed the unsuspecting victim in the neck. The 17 year old then ran into the deli and called the police.

The victim, who was transported to an area hospital for treatment of his injury, described the subject as being in his late 30’s or early 40’s, clean shaven with black hair and wearing a black jacket.

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

A.G. Investigation Finds That National Fitness Chain Was Lax In Training Personnel About Indoor Tanning Health Risks And Dangers

(Long Island, NY) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that his office has reached an agreement with Planet Fitness Holdings LLC, and its subsidiaries, Pla-Fit Franchise, LLC, franchisor of Planet Fitness brand fitness facilities and Planet Fitness National Advertising Fund, LLC, (collectively “Planet Fitness”) requiring that they not offer “unlimited” tanning as part of premier Black Card level memberships and that they provide adequate training to employees who oversee indoor tanning services at Planet Fitness gym locations.  Planet Fitness also agreed not to make health-related claims to promote red lamp devices and to comply with all New York State tanning regulations.   Planet Fitness paid $50,000 in costs and penalties.

“Under today’s agreement with Planet Fitness, the company will no longer offer unlimited tanning as part of its health club benefits and will not make any claims regarding the health or safety of indoor tanning,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “This agreement is part of a continuing effort to protect consumers from the documented skin cancer risks of indoor tanning. I am especially concerned with rising cancer rates associated with indoor tanning, particularly for young people, and businesses that offer indoor tanning should market their services truthfully.”

Indoor tanning increases the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer – which is responsible for 9,000 deaths in the United States each year.  Indoor tanning also increases the risk of other skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.  While usually not fatal, these cancers can cause noticeable disfigurement.  In addition to increasing the risk of skin cancer, UV exposure can also harm the immune system and cause premature skin aging.  New York State tanning law currently prohibits tanning for children under 17 and requires parental consent for children between the ages of 17 and 18.  Additionally, New York law requires that current tanning hazards information sheets and acknowledgement forms be distributed to tanning patrons and that free protective eyewear be made available to tanning patrons.

Investigators visited a number of Planet Fitness franchise locations that offer tanning services and found numerous violations of New York State tanning laws, including failure to provide required warnings and acknowledgment forms to consumers and failure to provide protective eyewear at no additional cost, a public health hazard. There are approximately 98 Planet Fitness locations currently operating in New York State, with some under corporate ownership and the majority owned by independent franchisees.

Some Planet Fitness locations offered LED or red light Beauty Angel treatments that were advertised as providing various health related benefits.  However, these red lamp devices are approved by FDA only for cosmetic purposes.  Planet Fitness and its franchised locations ceased promoting red lights for medical or health benefits upon notice by the Attorney General of its potentially false and misleading advertising of these services.

(Long Island, NY) The Seventh Squad reports the arrest of a Port Jefferson man for Burglary that occurred on Monday, November 23, 2015 at 1100 am in Merrick.

According to detectives, a 75 year old male victim noticed jewelry was missing from his Frankel Boulevard residence. A camera system installed revealed that the defendant Joseph Hermida, 47, did remove jewelry in excess of $100,000.00 dollars between July 20, 2015 through October 15, 2015.

Nassau County Police reports the arrest of Joseph Hermida, 47, of Port Jefferson for Burglary that occurred on Monday, November 23 in Merrick. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

A subsequent investigation led detectives to the defendant at his place of employment and further investigated him at the Seventh Precinct where he was placed into police custody without incident. There were no injuries reported.

Joseph Hermida is charged with Burglary 3rd Degree and Grand Larceny 2nd Degree. He will be arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Tuesday, November 24, 2015.

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.

Bellone Commends Police Commissioner Edward Webber upon his Retirement Announcement

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today released the following statement upon learning of Police Commissioner Edward Webber’s forthcoming retirement.  County Executive Bellone has asked Commissioner Webber to remain in his position through January 25, 2016 in order to allow for an effective transition.

“Commissioner Edward Webber has served Suffolk County residents with honor and distinction for more than 43 years.  Suffolk County is a better place and our residents are safer today because of Edward Webber’s distinguished service.  However, after more than four decades of service, I respect that Ed wants to devote himself fully to his wife Kathy, his three children and his six grandchildren.

Under Commissioner Webber’s tenure, crime is down by more than 20 percent, including a double-digit decrease in violent crime.  That is because Commissioner Webber spearheaded implementing a number of initiatives to make our force more effective.   Commissioner Webber oversaw a successful merger between the Suffolk County Police Department and the Park Police which has resulted in operational efficiencies which are saving taxpayers millions of dollars and improving service.

The Suffolk County Police Department has improved its relationships with minority communities by successfully implementing community-based policing initiatives which helps the force serve our communities better.

I am appreciative that Commissioner Webber has agreed to stay in his position for the next two months to provide a steady hand and allow for an effective transition.”

LI resident Raquel Castro, actress from the hit show “Empire” and local officials pitch into to distribute turkeys to local anti-hunger agencies

(Long Island, NY) NBTY, a global manufacturer, marketer, distributor and retailer of market-leading vitamins, supplements and sports and active nutrition products, today donated 300 turkeys to Island Harvest Food Bank to  will help make Thanksgiving brighter and more hopeful for Long Island families in need. NBTY company officials, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and NBTY company volunteers, were joined by Long Island resident and actress, singer and songwriter Raquel Castro and her family in distributing the turkeys to 11 nonprofit agencies at Island Harvest’s Hauppauge Distribution Center.

Left to right: Randi Shubin Dresner, president & CEO, Island Harvest; LI resident Raquel Castro, actress from the hit show Empire and Melissa Entwistle from NBTY distributing donated turkeys and food to help LI families in need enjoy a warm, holiday-style meal this Thanksgiving. Photo Credit: NBTY.

For more than 316,000 Long Islanders faced with not having enough to eat each day, the warmth of a holiday-style meal on Thanksgiving may just be a hopeless wish. These are often hard-working adults, children, seniors and veterans who cannot always make ends meet and are often forced to go without food.  NBTY’s generous donation will put a warm, holiday-style meal on the tables of 300 Long Island families in need, just in time for Thanksgiving. “Island Harvest is grateful for the generous donation and support from NBTY in recognizing the critical issue of hunger on Long Island and taking positive steps to help those Long Islanders often forced to choose between paying the rent and buying food,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO, Island Harvest Food Bank. “NBTY’s direct involvement has a tangible and positive impact in making a difference for those Long Islanders facing hunger this Thanksgiving.”

“NBTY is committed to helping the people of Long Island along their wellness journey,” said Sonya Soutus, Senior Vice President, Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer at NBTY. “Our roots are here, so naturally we are happy to support our local community in this way. In addition to the turkeys we are donating today, we are proud of our Associates, who through our food drive collected almost 2000 pounds of additional food items to donate to Island Harvest. We wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving and holiday season.”

“At this time of year when families on Long Island are struggling to make ends meet and are not sure where their Thanksgiving meal will come from or what it will consist of, NBTY has found it within their hearts to donate 300 turkeys to Island Harvest,” stated County Executive Steve Bellone.  “What an awesome way to underscore the spirit of giving.”

“NBTY’s generosity is heartwarming and I’m happy to do my part in helping Island Harvest give Long Island families in need the opportunity to enjoy a warm, nutritious Thanksgiving dinner together,” said Ms. Castro, who most recently has appeared in the hit television show “Empire.”

About Hunger on Long Island
Hunger is a state in which people do not get enough food to provide the nutrients for active and healthy lives. It can result from the recurrent and involuntary lack of access to food. More than 316,000 Long Islanders face the risk of hunger every day, according to Island Harvest and Feeding America, a national hunger-relief organization. These are often hard-working adults, children, seniors and veterans who cannot always make ends meet and are often forced to go without food. Approximately 70,000 individuals seek food assistance in Nassau and Suffolk counties each week through soup kitchens, food pantries and other feeding programs served by Island Harvest.

About Island Harvest Food Bank
Island Harvest Food Bank is a leading hunger-relief organization that provides food and other resources to people in need. Always treating those it helps with dignity and respect, its goal is to end hunger and reduce poverty on Long Island through efficient food collection and distribution; enhanced hunger-awareness and nutrition-education programs; job training; and direct services targeted at children, senior citizens, veterans and others at risk. Approximately 94 cents of every dollar donated to Island Harvest goes to programs that support more than 316,000 Long Islanders. Island Harvest is a lead agency in the region’s emergency-response preparedness for food and product distribution, and is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. More information can be found at www.islandharvest.org.

About NBTY
NBTY has enriched the lives of consumers around the world by introducing innovative products and solutions to the health and wellness marketplace for more than 40 years. Our ongoing mission to deliver the highest quality nutritional supplements and wellness products has resulted in an extensive portfolio of well-known and trusted brands, including Nature’s Bounty®, Sundown Naturals®, Osteo Bi-Flex®, Solgar ®, Balance Bar®, MET-Rx®, Pure Protein®, Body Fortress®, Puritan’s Pride®, Vitamin World®, Holland & Barrett®, De Tuinen® and many others. As a leading global manufacturer, marketer, distributor and retailer of market-leading vitamins and nutritional supplements, NBTY is committed to supporting wellness by creating products that consumers want and making them easily available anywhere they shop. Learn more about our wellness vision and industry-leading products at www.nbty.com.