(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who stole wine from a Coram store last month.

A man stole a bottle of Moskato Life wine, valued at approximately $7, from 7-Eleven, located at 33 Middle Country Road, on May 16 at approximately 3:15 a.m.

Suffolk County Police are seeking the public’s help to identify the man who stole wine from a Coram store last month. Photo Credit: SCPD.

The man was described as black, approximately 20 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall with an average build and short dark hair. The man was accompanied by two other black males and a white female and fled the scene in a black Mitsubishi Galant.

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) The Rocky Horror Picture Show is celebrating its 40th anniversary in Queens (where else?) this week. Other fun activities include a strawberry festival, a hot dog-eating contest, a theater festival, a mama’s expo, and plenty of live, outdoor music. Here’s the rundown.

June 12, The Rocky Horror Picture Show Experience, 7:30 pm. This is a screening and live reenactment by the New York City Shadow Cast of the 1970s cult movie which is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite characters. $15. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Kaufman Arts District, www.movingimage.us.

June 12, Unchained Theatre Festival, until June 28. This third annual extravaganza features 16 pieces, ranging from 10-minute shorts to full-length plays, performed three times in the course of three weeks. Voting by audiences and judges determines the top pieces, which receive an additional performance during the finale on June 28. $15/$18 for final round/closing ceremony. The Chain Theatre, 21-28 45th Rd., LIC, www.variationstheatregroup.com.

June 12, Queens Art Intervention, 6:30 pm. This is a launch event to discuss project ideas for this year and encourage artists from all over NYC to apply to be a part of QAI weekend. Free. Queens Council on the Arts, 37-11 35th Ave., Kaufman Arts District, www.queenscouncilarts.org.

June 12, Movie Night: Frozen, 8:30 pm. After the kingdom is cast into eternal winter by the powerful snow queen, her sister teams up with a rough-hewn mountaineer and his trusty reindeer to break the icy spell. Free. MacNeil Park, Poppenhusen Avenue and College Place, College Point, www.nycparks.com.

June 13-14, The Mamas Expo, 10 am to 3 pm. Part baby expo, part county fair, and part something entirely different, the Mamas Expo is a two-day, family-friendly gathering that brings together local resources, businesses, brands, educators, caretakers, parents, grandparents, performers, artists, and kids. $29. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, www.themamasexpo.com.

June 13-14, Historic Jackson Heights Weekend. The Jackson Heights Beautification Group sponsors this 25th annual weekend extravaganza. Activities include slide lectures, guided tours, and a vintage photo exhibition. For more info, call (718) 565-5344.

June 13, Family Strawberry Festival, noon to 4 pm. Try the best strawberry shortcake in NYC, celebrate Flag Day, participate in a pie-eating contest, and enjoy live entertainment and tours. $1-$5. Onderdonk House, 1820 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood, www.onderdonkhouse.org.

June 13, Kew Gardens Flea Market, 9 am to 5 pm (rain date: June 20). Albums, books, clothing, collectibles, household items, jewelry, pottery, and much more. The vendor fees benefit the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Department. LIRR North Parking Lot, 82-60 Austin St., Kew Gardens. More info at KGFleamarket@aol.com.

June 13, Long Island City Scavenger Hunt, 2:30 pm (registration at 2 pm). Follow a series of clues around LIC to get prizes and giveaways. All ages welcome. Pick up team registration at 2 pm. $10 per person, up to four per team. New York Irish Center, 10-40 Jackson Ave., LIC, www.nyirishcenter.org.

June 13, The World of the 7 Train, 10 am to 5:30 pm. Join official Queens historian Jack Eichenbaum on a series of six walks and connecting rides along the 7 train. He discusses the line and its impact on LIC, Sunnyside, Flushing, Corona, Woodside, Jackson Heights, and Flushing (for lunch). More info at jaconet@aol.com.

June 13, Opening of Welling Court Mural Project, noon to 8 pm. Artists come together to transform the neighborhood into a creative celebration and unique public art experience. 11-98 Welling Ct., Astoria, www.adhocart.org.

June 13, Friends of Fort Totten Park Family Fun Day, noon to 3 pm. Crafts, rides, giveaways, and more. Free. Fort Totten Park Parade Grounds, 422 Weaver Ave., Bayside, www.nycparks.com.

June 13, Queens The Way It Was, 1 pm. A film looking back at Queens from the 1930s to the 1960s, when it became the center of the world. Free. Greater Astoria Historical Society, 35-20 Broadway, 4th Fl., LIC, www.astorialic.org.

June 13, A Night at the Movies, 7 pm. The Queens Symphony Orchestra’s southern Queens salon series concert. Free. BCAC Fields, 125 Crossbay Boulevard, Broad Channel, www.queenssymphony.org.

June 13, Go Fly a Kite, 11 am. Attendees work together to make paper kits that they test out in the garden. Children can listen to stories about high-flying adventures. Free. Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38th Ave., Flushing, www.vomuseum.org.

June 13, Breathe, 2 pm; The Unexpected Life, 4 pm. Screened as part of the Panorama Europe 2015 film festival, Breathe is about the destruction of a perfect friendship between two teenage girls. The Unexpected Life is a bittersweet comedy about an actor and Spanish ex-pat living in Manhattan who bonds with his more conventional cousin. $12/$9 for seniors and students. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Kaufman Arts District, www.movingimage.us.

June 14, Hot Dog Eating Contest, 11 am. This is the regional qualifier for the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island. Winners will face last year’s male champion, Joey Chestnut, and female champion, Miki Sudo. Jackie Robinson Rotunda, Citi Field, Flushing, www.majorleagueeating.com.

June 14, Long Island City Tour, 2:30 pm. This three-hour, small-group walking tour goes through LIC’s thriving arts scene. Meet interesting local artists, makers, and entrepreneurs, and enjoy additional stops for light bites and to sample local microbrews, as well as a grand finale at a rooftop lounge with incredible cityscape views and a glass of prosecco. $65, advance booking required, www.bqetours.com.

June 14, Woodhaven Tour with Kevin Walsh of Forgotten NY, 1 pm. A guided walking tour of Woodhaven, home of NYC’s oldest tavern and the remnants of enamelware factories and historic carousels. Meet at the NE corner of Woodhaven and Rockaway boulevards. $20. Greater Astoria Historical Society, 35-20 Broadway, LIC, www.astorialic.org.

June 14, Catch the Cool Family Festival, noon to 4 pm. Art workshops, musical performances, tours, games, outdoor activities, and much more. Free. Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Corona, www.queensmuseum.org.

June 14, Music in the Garden, 2:30 pm. The acclaimed Quintet of the Americas offers the premiere of “Variable Winds” by Flushing’s Daniel Ott and works by other local composers. $2-$4 Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, www.queensbotanical.org.

June 14, Queens Center for Progress Runs, 8:30 am. A 10-kilometer race and a one-mile children’s race to raise money for the Queens Center of Progress, which provides services to people with developmental disabilities. $30/$35 on race day. Unisphere, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, www.nycruns.com/races.

June 14, Bang on a Can Music Series, 3 pm. TIGUE returns with monthly performances in the indoor galleries, delivering rhythmic hooks and patterned drones via process and improvisation. $5-$10. Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Road, LIC, www.noguchi.org.

June 14, Magical Girl, noon; Age of Cannibals, 3 pm; and Violet, 7 pm. Screened as part of the Panorama Europe 2015 film festival, Magical Girl is a neo-noir tale of a father desperate to fulfill his dying daughter’s last wish: to own an expensive dress from her favorite Japanese anime. Age of Cannibals makes fun of capitalism as two slimy international business consultants head for a breakdown of epic proportions after not getting promotions. Violet evokes the disorientation of grief as a troubled teen deals with the emotional fallout of witnessing his friend’s murder. Preceded by live music by the Flemish band St. Grandson in the courtyard. $12/$9 for seniors and students. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Kaufman Arts District, www.movingimage.us.

June 15, Talk about French Resistance Leader on 70th Anniversary of World War II’s End, 1:30 pm. Charles Kaiser discusses his new book, The Cost of Courage: The True Story of One Family in the French Resistance, about Andre Boulloche, who coordinated the Resistance in northern France until he was betrayed by one of his comrades and arrested by the Gestapo. His sisters carried on the fight without him until the end of the war. Boulloche and one sister survived concentration camps, but the Gestapo killed their parents and an older brother. After the war, Boulloche became a prominent French politician. $8 suggested donation. Central Queens Y, 67-09 108th St., Forest Hills, www.cqy.org.

June 16, Matchup, 6 pm. This is the ultimate networking mixer—real time, real world, personalized socializing on the fly. Attend this event with a smartphone and download the herematch app. Then meet people with similar interests, backgrounds, etc. Free with complimentary finger food and cash bar. Z Hotel, 11-01 43rd Ave., LIC, conta.cc/1KehrSN.

June 17, Learn How to Enter Film Festivals, 6:30 pm. Queens World Film Festival Co-Directors Don and Katha Cato share tips on how to choose appropriate film festivals. The conversation covers what festival directors are looking for, how to maximize the festival-attending experience, and what to do if you don’t get into the festival of your choice. Attendees have the chance to ask Katha questions specific to their film projects. $10. Queens Council on the Arts, 37-11 35th Ave., Kaufman Arts District, www.queenscouncilarts.org.

The “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy the borough’s wonderful attractions. More info at www.itsinqueens.com.

All Music Inc: The Exclusive LI Carrier of Cole Clark Guitars

(Long Island, NY) Since 1984, one of the main things that has made Long Island’s prime guitar outlet and music school so unique has been their passion for quality and service to both their customers and students. But most recently, yet another concept has allowed All Music Inc. of Plainview to stand-out amongst guitar connoisseurs: their partnership with Melbourne, Australia’s Cole Clark Guitars.

As the only Long Island and Amazon.com dealer of the distinctive steel string acoustic guitars, All Music prides itself on the partnership with the largest collection of Cole Clark Guitars in stock. The prime acoustics to use a Spanish heel or integral neck construction which allows for a unique sound, Cole Clark Guitars also include a patented pickup system aimed at finding a more natural tone when amplified. Combining classical construction with original and innovative design concepts and manufacturing techniques–all solid timber using mostly native Australian tone woods that are largely sustainable–help to produce a lighter, stronger, unique guitar with a naturally amplified sound and the advantage of top-of-the-line quality craftsmanship. Put simply, the guitars are “Made different to sound different”.

Some of the many notable Cole Clark artists and groups who continually use the uniquely made instruments include Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd, Ben Harper, Johnny Marr of The Smiths, Belle and Sebastian, 5 Seconds of Summer, Sublime With Rome, The Living End, Snow Patrol, Tex Perkins, Alex Lloyd, Randy Kohrs, and many more.

For more information about All Music Inc please visit www.allmusicinc.com.

For more information about Cole Clark Guitars, please visit www.coleclarkguitars.com.

ABOUT ALL MUSIC INC:
All Music Inc has been the Long Island musicians number one choice for quality equipment, rentals and lessons for over 30 years, representing as the Long Island musicians best friend at South Oyster Bay Rd in Plainview.

All Music has long been considered the Island’s premier guitar shop and music school, with their sales people and teachers intent on helping to create lifelong musicians with a desire to be the best at their craft. Just as importantly, the brand has always taken real steps to stand out and distinguish themselves from the other chain music stores and schools with some of the best repair technicians; who work on all guitar, amp,  brass, woodwind and orchestral instruments, consistent musician and venue outreach, and the strong strategic partnerships and alliances they have formed.

Thanks to their knowledgeable and experienced people who work there, who are NOT commissioned salespeople and are dedicated to serving the customers, All Music Inc. is known to take a personalized approach to all of your music needs so that you get what you want at the best price. Inside the store, they have an extensive collection of new, vintage, rare and pre-owned instruments (over 1000 guitars in stock!) to fit any budget, so as you walk around it is no wonder that they’ve become the premier music destination for professional musicians and people passionate about honing their craft in the area.

Besides the vast array and sheer volume of merchandise on display, they also host regular clinics with renowned players from every style imaginable giving their customers entre’ and insight into those they look up to. The next installment in the series, which features Mark Mendoza from Twisted Sister and Joe Rock, is tomorrow – Wednesday Dec 10th at 7pm

Additionally, their deep connections with the most prominent manufacturers in the business have allowed them to create special agreements with companies like PRS Guitars and Larivee Guitars who allow the All Music store in Plainview to be their only independent dealer on Long Island. They also have a fantastic selection of Gibson, Fender, Martin, Taylor, Charvel, Gretsch, Seagull, Godin and are soon to be carrying Music Man.

There has been a budding relationship between All Music and The Space at Westbury, where they just opened the All Music Lounge at The Space which allows local musicians a chance to perform at the facility, and All Music also did the Contractor Appreciation Party that included Twisted Sister, CJ Ramone and Good Rats members. All Music has also been partnering with the World Famous Tattoo Lou’s, where the All Music team has been involved with the booking and music production of the stage at the past four United Ink Tattoo/Art/Music festivals, as well as for their Poker Bike run and on other projects.

Additionally, the All Music’s Rock N Roll University Band – comprised of some of the best students from the school – have performed at the aforementioned events and are slated to perform at the upcoming United Ink Resorts World Casino Festival at Aqueduct. The band also regularly performs at places like the Smithtown Festival and Patchogue’s Alive After Five. All Music also recently provided the backline for the WBAB Homegrown Superstar finals at The Emporium.

Adding to the empire, and founded back in 2011, All Music’s Rock and Roll University in Hauppauge is a performance based rock and roll school where the students take private music lessons each week and then attend rehearsals which all lead up to live rock concerts in theaters around Long Island, New York. They have hosted their Big Concert Series at venues like Theatre Three in Port Jefferson and The Boulton Center in Bayshore.

Also on the school side, speaking to the talent and skill of both the teachers and students, one can look at their authentic sounding Led Zeppelin tribute ZoFolk currently touring Long Island, and the case of Brandon “Taz” Niederaur, an 11 year old guitar prodigy who after careful tutelage at the school has already been covered on ABC News, in Newsday, on Verizon Fios1 and on the Ellen Degeneres show and even caught the eye of Rock N Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Allman who recently brought him up on stage to perform with the legendary Allman Brothers Band during Jam Cruise. The band also recently performed at Citi Field during a NY Mets major league baseball game.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a single-car crash that critically injured a woman in Smithtown on Sunday, June 7.

Tiffany Aldughmy was driving a 2000 Honda Accord westbound on West Jericho Turnpike when her vehicle left the roadway, struck a fire hydrant, fence and portable utility light before overturning in front of 556 West Jericho Turnpike at 7:11 p.m.

Suffolk County Police are investigating a single-car crash that critically injured a woman in Smithtown on Sunday, June 7. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

Aldughmy, 21, of Port Jefferson Station, was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital where she was listed in critical condition. A female passenger in the vehicle was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The vehicle was impounded for a safety check and the investigation is continuing. Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452.

Common-Sense Bill Stalled In Environment Committee Despite Sponsorship by Chair and 59% of All State Senators

(Long Island, NY) Companies are placing unnecessary tiny plastic beads into body wash, soaps and toothpastes, which then go down the drain, escape through wastewater treatment facilities unequipped to handle them, only to make their way into New York’s waterways where they wreak havoc on wildlife and the food chain.

With just days left in the 2015 Legislative Session, common-sense legislation to ban these beads deserves a fair up or down vote; the lead sponsor of the legislation chairs the Senate committee in which it’s stalled. To date, 37 of 63 Senators have signed on to cosponsor the bill. Just 32 votes are needed for Senate passage.

The bill overwhelmingly passed the Assembly earlier this year by a vote of 139-1, with all Democrats and all but one Republican supporting the measure. However, despite similarly widespread, bipartisan support in the Senate, lead sponsor Tom O’Mara has attempted to advance a competing bogus beads bill supported by the industry, which is not cosponsored by a single colleague. That bill was expected to receive a floor vote in late May until senators threatened to attach the widely supported bill as a hostile amendment during debate.

The Microbead-Free Waters Act is one of just five bills identified by Environmental Advocates of New York – three of which are environmental and public health priorities – as having more cosponsors listed than votes needed for passage. The other two include:

• Child Safe Products Act (41 cosponsors)
• Closing of the Fracking Hazardous Waste Loophole (32 cosponsors)

In addition to broad majority support Senate-wide, the bill is sponsored by nine members of the 13-member Environmental Conservation committee, 11 members of the 15-member Codes committee, 22 members of the 36-member Financecommittee, and 12 members of the 24-member Rules committee. Alternatively, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan can pull the bill out of any committee and bring to the floor for a full vote via the Rules committee, which he chairs.

Saima Anjam, environmental health director at Environmental Advocates of New York said, “The Microbead-Free Waters Act has a clear pathway to passage. If it’s not brought up for a vote, it means that industry has once again silenced the majority of New York’s state senators. It’s been just weeks since Senator Skelos resigned amidst allegations of using the legislative process to enrich his family. New Yorkers expect more from new leadership. This should not be excused as ‘the Senate being the Senate’ like the once august body is a temperamental teen. Senators Flanagan and O’Mara need to allow a simple up or down vote on bills supported by a majority of members.”

Dr. Sherri Mason, environmental sciences program coordinator at the State University of New York at Fredonia said, “I have not spoken to one person in my hundreds of public presentations reaching thousands of people who, after learning there is plastic in their consumer products, is okay with it. The people want these plastics removed and the point of the legislature is to respond to the desire of the people. And our representatives are responding to that by signing-on to the bill, but it needs to be called for a vote. We all get crunched for time, but this bill is an easy one. With so many co-signers it won’t require a lengthy debate. Just call it for a vote and move-on, and let the bill move on too. I was so proud when New York was the first state in the nation to call for a ban on these unnecessary pollutants, but now several other states have already passed the legislation that is stalled here. People expect more and the health of all people deserves more.”

Cynthia Finley, director of regulatory affairs for the National Association of Clean Water Agencies said, “Microbeads cannot be removed through the wastewater treatment processes typically used by utilities, and therefore pass through treatment plants into the waters of New York and the nation. Since plastic microbeads can be easily removed from consumer products and replaced with natural alternatives, eliminating plastic microbead pollution at its source, rather than relying on wastewater utilities to remove microbeads, is the best way to protect the water and environment. The Microbead-Free Waters Act is a great step in the right direction.”

Blake Kopcho, campaign manager for The 5 Gyres Institute said, “Our research estimates more than five trillion pieces of plastic in the world’s oceans, over 90 percent of which are microplastics. In order to address this global plastic crisis, we need to swiftly enact solutions that reduce plastic pollution at the source, before it reaches our waterways or oceans. The Microbead-Free Waters Act is a common sense policy that will accomplish specifically that.”

Brian Smith, associate executive director for Citizens Campaign for the Environment said, “Plastic microbeads may be tiny, but they are adding up to be a huge problem for our waters across the state. Senator Flanagan now has the weight of 19 tons of plastic on his shoulders. He must choose between protecting Long Island Sound or maintaining the status quo.”

Karen Papasergiou, president of the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor said, “We expect our legislators to protect all New York State waterways, and the health and safety of all residents. The Assembly has overwhelmingly voted to ban microbeads and protect New York’s environment and residents. Why can’t the Senate get the job done as well and prevent further plastic and toxic pollution from entering New York’s waters?”

Lee Willbanks, executive director of Save The River said, “The St. Lawrence River has some of the highest concentrations of microbead pollution of any of New York’s waterways. Save The River supports the Microbead-Free Waters Act as the most effective way to remove this bio-accumulating threat to the health of the river and the species and communities that depend on it. Its quick passage into law will set the example for other Great Lakes states to follow.”

Roger Downs, conservation director for the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter said, “Plastic microbead pollution is insidious – it doesn’t degrade like natural materials and persists for decades, if not centuries in our environment. Perhaps more insidious is the fact that we have a strong legislative solution to the problem, with majority cosponsorship, that can’t get a Senate floor vote because of industry pressure and money. This common sense bill will be a big test for Majority Leader Flannigan’s leadership – will he act in the public interest or continue Albany’s pay to play culture?”

(Long Island, NY) The First Squad reports the details of a Robbery that occurred on Monday, June 08, 2015 at 12:09 a.m. in Freeport.

According to detectives, a 27 year of old female victim was sitting on the corner of Woodcleft Avenue and Manhattan Street when a group of male and female Hispanics walked past. An argument ensued and one female subject began to punch the victim in the head multiple times.

Nassau County Police reports the details of a Robbery that occurred on Monday, June 08, in Freeport. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The subjects fled westbound on Manhattan Street with the victim’s pocketbook containing cash and personal papers. She suffered minor injuries but refused medical attention. The subject is described as in her 20’s, heavy set, with bleached blond hair wearing a red shirt.

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.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police on Sunday, June 7, arrested five teens in connection with damaging and stealing items from multiple cars parked at a Long Island Railroad parking lot since last month.

Third Precinct police officers responded to the parking lot of the Central Islip Railroad, located on Suffolk Avenue, after receiving an anonymous 911 call reporting car break-ins at 3:20 a.m. When police arrived, they located and arrested five people for damaging cars. A BB gun was recovered during the arrests which had been used by the suspects to break windows in some of the targeted cars.

Jose Mendoza mug shot. Photo Credit: SCPD.

A further investigation determined the suspects were responsible for damaging other cars and stealing items from within the vehicles in the same railroad parking lot since May 24.

Jose Mendoza, 18, of Central Islip, was arrested and charged with five counts of Criminal Mischief 4th Degree and one count of Petit Larceny. Gerardo Ramirezperez, 17, of Central Islip, was charged with five counts of Criminal Mischief 4th Degree and two counts of Petit Larceny. Three juveniles were also arrested and charged with three counts of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree.

Gerardo Ramirezperez mug shot. Photo Credit: SCPD.

Approximately 15 cars were damaged. The investigation is continuing and additional charges are pending.

Mendoza and Ramirezperez will be held overnight at the Third Precinct and will be arraigned tomorrow at First District Court in Central Islip. The juveniles will be scheduled to appear in Family Court on a later date.

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) Suffolk County Police arrested a Sayville man for boating while intoxicated in the Great South Bay on Sunday, June 7.

Joseph Leon was operating a 1994 Silverton 38-foot cabin cruiser without the boat’s navigational lights on which is required when it’s dark in the Great South Bay, a half-mile northeast of Cherry Grove, at approximately 2:20 a.m. Marine Patrol Officers John Mullins III and John Sheehan were patrolling the waters in Marine X-Ray when they stopped Leon’s boat and it was determined Leon was intoxicated.

Suffolk County Police arrested Joseph Leon, 59, a Sayville man, for boating while intoxicated in the Great South Bay on Sunday, June 7. Photo Credit: SCPD.

Officer Mullins arrested and charged Leon, 59, of 80 Willow Street, with Boating While Intoxicated.

Officer Mullins previously arrested Leon in June of 2011 for Boating While Intoxicated following a boat crash.

Leon was held overnight at the Third Precinct for arraignment today at First District Court in Central Islip.

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) The First Squad reports the arrest of a Freeport man for an Assault that occurred on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 7:35 p.m. in Freeport.

According to detectives, a Freeport Police Officer was assigned to the Woodcleft Avenue Nautical Festival when he observed Jovan Finch, 25, operating a Kawasaki dirt bike recklessly northbound on Woodcleft Avenue. The officer, while on foot, signaled for Finch to stop the motorcycle. Finch refused to stop and struck the officer as he attempted to swerve around him.

Nassau County Police reports the arrest of Jovan Finch, 25, a Freeport man, for an Assault that occurred on Saturday, June 6, in Freeport. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The officer grabbed the defendant and was subsequently dragged a short distance before the motorcycle came to a stop. As the officer attempted to place Finch under arrest the defendant refused to comply and began kicking the officer. Additional Freeport Police arrived to assist and were forced to use a Taser to gain control of the defendant. The officer was treated at a local hospital for injuries sustained during the arrest.

Finch is charged with Assault 2nd degree, Reckless Endangerment 2nd degree, Menacing 2nd degree, Reckless Driving, Resisting Arrest, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 2nd degree, Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Failure to Obey a Police Officer as well as additional motor vehicle violations. He will be arraigned on Sunday, June 7, 2015 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) The Narcotics/Vice Bureau reports the arrest of two individuals for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance that occurred on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 10:55 p.m. in Long Beach.

According to detectives, defendant David Ortiz, 27 of Long Beach, was observed in his 2009 Mercury parked on Roosevelt Avenue selling an undetermined amount of cocaine to Alaina M. Hannides, 44 of West Hempstead, who was seated in the passenger side of the vehicle.

David Ortiz mug shot. Photo Credit: NCPD.

Detectives approached the vehicle and placed both defendants under arrest without incident. A bag of cocaine was recovered from Ortiz’s shorts and a second was recovered from the passenger side door panel.

Hannides is charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree and was issued an Appearance Ticket to appear in First District Court on June 24, 2015.

Alaina M. Hannides mug shot. Photo Credit: NCPD.

Ortiz is charged with three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree and three counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree. He will be arraigned on Sunday, June 07, 2015 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.