FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23,2024 SUFFOLK SHERIFF, WINTERS CENTER FOR AUTISM TO ANNOUNCE NEW TOOL TO AID OFFICERS IN COMMUNICATING WITH AUTISTIC RESIDENTS ***** VISUAL CARDS WILL ALLOW LAW ENFORCEMENT, RESIDENTS TO EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATE DURING EMERGENCIES ***** WEST BABYLON, NY: On April 23 at 11am, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr., joined with the Winters Center for Autism for Autism Acceptance Month to announce an initiative to provide Deputy Sheriffs and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, with a tool to help foster effective communication in emergency situations. To ensure Suffolk Deputies can safely communicate with all residents, the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office worked with Winters Center for Autism to create cards with visual aids and tips to help foster communication during an interaction that involves law enforcement or emergency personnel. “As Suffolk County Sheriff, I am committed to making our community an even more inclusive place for all residents. These cards can be a lifeline in any type of an emergency situation. Thank you to the Winter Center for Autism for being a partner with law enforcement and for the work they do to improve the lives of so many residents,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. It is estimated that nearly 350,000 of adults in New York have Autism Spectrum Disorder. In addition to the Suffolk Sheriff’s Deputies being equipped with the cards, the cards are also being distributed to the Winters Center for Autism for the young adult participants– many of which take public or County transportation to the center. The Sheriff’s Office will also give out the cards at public events or by request. The Winters Center for Autism was established in 2020 to enhance the lives of adults with autism through job creation, training, and placement to address the excessive unemployment rate among people with autism. The Winters Center for Autism addresses these gaps by identifying skills and talents of participants and matching them with businesses and organizations open to creating jobs for capable and trained employees. ###

SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MAKES FIVE DWI ARRESTS ***** ARRESTS INCLUDE AGGRAVATED DWI, SPEEDING OVER 100MPH ***** ADDITIONAL ARREST MADE FOR STREET RACING ***** (SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY) Over the past weekend, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested five impaired drivers for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). One of these drivers was charged with Aggravated DWI as one driver fled the scene speeding, and multiple drivers had high blood alcohol count (BAC.) These arrests were among six drivers arrested over the last week, including an additional arrest for street racing. As part of ongoing DWI enforcement by the Sheriff’s Office, deputies are always out patrolling for those who are making poor choices when it comes to driving home. Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. has increased DWI enforcement and has taken to social media to remind residents, young and old, to drink responsibly and have a designated driver or call for a ride if they have been drinking. Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. thanks his Deputies for their hard work. “I commend my staff for their hard work in safely removing these impaired and dangerous drivers from our streets so residents who drive responsibly can arrive home safe.” AGGRAVATED DWI On April 20, Maria Vendetti, 58, left her car in the roadway. When Deputies went to check on the vehicle, stopped in the roadway the driver, Vendetti, was found to be intoxicated. She was arrested for DWI, consented to a breath test, and registered a BAC of .21. Due to the high BAC, she was charged with aggravated DWI. She was also charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, due to her suspended license, and multiple traffic infractions. STREET RACING ARREST On April 22nd, Suffolk Sheriff’s Deputies observed two vehicles, an Infiniti G35 and a black Mercedes sedan engaging in a street race on the LIE North Service road east of Holbrook Road. The Deputy managed to stop the Infiniti, although the Mercedes fled the scene. The driver of the Infiniti, Elahi Faizan, 21, of Bronx was issued an Appearance Ticket for Unlawful Speed Contest, as well as summonses for Driving Too Slow/Impeding Traffic and Speeding. The driver's vehicle was also subject to impound for engaging in a speed contest. ADDITIONAL DWI ARRESTS INCLUDE: Ricardo Viera, 40, of Islip Terrace, on 04/20/24, was stopped while traveling on Sunrise Highway by exit 52 in North Patchogue, for failure to maintain lane and speeding. He demonstrated clues while performing standardized field sobriety tests indicating he was intoxicated. Viera was arrested and submitted to a chemical breath test resulting in a .12 BAC. Kera Stellato, 41, of Lindenhurst, on 04/20/24, was stopped while traveling on Sunrise Highway by exit 48, in Bohemia, for failing to maintain a single lane of travel by swerving over the lines separating lanes of travel in the roadway. She was found to be intoxicated. Stellato was arrested for DWI, consented to a breath test, and registered a BAC of .10. Satya Bhanu Rohith Kesani, 32, of Holtsville, on 04/22/24, was stopped while traveling on the Long Island Expressway, South Service Road, by Nicholls Road, for Speeding, at approximately 100 miles per hour, and  for failing to maintain a single lane of travel by swerving over the lines separating lanes of travel in the roadway, and failure to use signal light when switching lanes. He was found to be intoxicated. Satya was arrested for DWI, consented to a breath test, and registered a BAC of .10. Kursat Erdemirt, 40, of Lake Grove, on 04/21/24, was stopped while traveling on Patchogue- Holbrook Rd. by Union Ave for speeding and driving with expired registration. was found to be intoxicated. Kursat was arrested for DWI, consented to a breath test, and registered a BAC of .11. All information contained in this release has been provided for general informational purposes only. To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2024 Suffolk County Sheriff to Increase Distracted Driving Patrols During Distracted Driving Awareness Month Sheriff’s Office Joins NHTSA Campaign to Remind Drivers: Put the Phone Away or Pay (Suffolk County, NY) — During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the national “Put the Phone Away or Pay” high-visibility enforcement effort. From April 4-8, 2024, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office will be joining law enforcement agencies across New York State to conduct enhanced enforcement of texting and distracted-driving laws. According to NHTSA, nearly 32,483 people died in distraction-affected crashes over the ten-year period from 2011 to 2020. In 2022, there were 330,842 deaths linked to driver distraction and an additional 289,310 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted driving. “Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our county’s roads, and most of this distraction is attributed to texting while driving,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “Beginning this week, our Deputy Sheriffs will be further increasing efforts to stop drivers from distracted driving. If you text and drive in Suffolk County, we will pull you over and you will be fined.” Violating New York’s distracted-driving laws can be costly. A first-time violation of this law is a traffic infraction with a fine between 50 and 200 dollars as well as 5 points on your license. Upon conviction of a second violation, both within 18 months, the fine is between 50 and 250 dollars as well as 5 points. Upon conviction of a third violation, all within an 18-month period, the fine is between 50 and 450 dollars as well as 5 points. Many drivers are guilty of a “double standard” when it comes to distracted driving. In its 2022 Traffic Safety Culture Index, the AAA Foundation reported that while nearly 93% of drivers believed it was very or extremely dangerous to read a text or email while driving, nearly 40% drivers admitted to doing so within the previous 30 days. Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. and NHTSA urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you need to text, pull over and do not drive while doing so. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe driving experience: If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text. Ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages. Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving. Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination. Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2024 SUFFOLK SHERIFF WELCOMES NEWEST K9 TO THE RANKS ***** Deputy Sheriff K9 Hondo found missing teen just weeks after completing training. ***** (YAPHANK, NY): Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. welcomed the Sheriff’s Office’s newest K9, Hondo, today at a brief ceremony. Sheriff Toulon presented Hondo with his official shield, and Hondo showcased his skills including a drug search and an apprehension demonstration. “We are excited to welcome Hondo as our newest four-legged member of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.  Just weeks after his training he already completed a successful missing person search and we look forward to all the future investigative work he will do to keep our County safe,” said Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. Hondo is a 1-year-old German Shepard who received 8 months of training in detecting drugs, patrolling, and searching buildings and locating missing or wanted individuals. Hondo will also do traffic patrol with the Sheriff’s Office’s DWI Unit. Weeks after completing his 8-month training, Hondo assisted in tracking down a missing individual in Riverhead. He was vital in helping find the missing teenager who fled on foot from the County Court complex and was shortly found behind electrical components in a wooded area in the complex. Hondo joins a force of two other Deputy Sheriff K-9s and three Correction Office K-9s. (PHOTOS PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE) ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 14, 2024 (MANORVILLE, NY) On February 5, 2024, Deputy Sheriffs working with the Central Pine Barrens Commission made an arrest involving the dumping of a large boat in the Pine Barrens Core Preservation Area. Deputies arrested Timothy Hughes, 35, of Shirley, NY, for dumping a 24’ 1980 Century boat in the Pine Barrens Core Preservation Area at the end of North Weeks Ave. in Manorville. The boat was clearly visible from the Long Island Expressway. Working with the Central Pine Barrens Commission, Deputies were able to identify when the dumping occurred, as well as the vehicle Hughes used to transport the boat to the dump site. Hughes turned himself in to Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Deputies on February 5, 2024, and received an appearance ticket for Brookhaven Town Code 45-4K2 (Dumping Prohibited in the Pine Barrens). He is also being charged with a violation of Suffolk County Code 433-6 (stating that defendant “knowingly dump[ed]… offensive materials or conveyances including but not limited to aircraft, vehicles, vessels or the parts thereof” in the Suffolk County Pine Barrens.) This charge is a misdemeanor, and the defendant can be fined up to $10,000. The Town of Brookhaven Department of Recycling and Sustainable Materials Management promptly removed the boat. Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. commends his deputies for their hard work. “The Pine Barrens is one of Suffolk County’s greatest treasures. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office conducts regular enforcement of dumping cases in the Pine Barrens and brings bad actors to justice. I am proud of the investigatory work done by these Deputies to help keep the Pine Barrens the pristine area that it is.” Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Daniel J. Panico said, “The Town of Brookhaven has invested in a variety of new technologies to catch and curtail illegal dumping. There are a myriad of lawful methods to dispose of boats and the variety of items illegally dumped. In fact, Brookhaven Town residents can dispose of up to 500 lbs free of charge on Saturday’s at the landfill.  However, those who chose to illegally dump will be caught and prosecuted because all levels of government are now actively working together. I thank the Sheriff and his Deputies for their diligence and work - we value their partnership.” The mission of the Central Pine Barrens Commission is “to manage land use within the Central Pine Barrens to protect its vital groundwater and surface water and the region's vast and significant natural, agricultural, historical, cultural and recreational resources for current and future Long Island residents.” To report dumping in the Pine Barrens, please call 1-877-BARRENS. (PHOTOS PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE) ###

Catalina to take new role as SCPD Deputy Police Commissioner FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2024 (Riverhead, NY) On Wednesday, January 31, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. held a ceremonial walk-out for Undersheriff Kevin T. Catalina at the Riverhead Correctional Facility. Catalina is leaving the Sheriff’s Office to take a new role at the Suffolk County Police Department as Deputy Police Commissioner.  Members of the Sheriff’s Office joined with other law enforcement officials to thank Catalina for his service and wish him luck in his new role. “I have had the pleasure of working with Kevin Catalina for many years, beginning more than a decade ago when we were working in NYC law enforcement as counterparts in NYCDOC and NYPD.  He has been a great asset to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office since he was appointed as an Undersheriff in 2018 and his long career with NYPD made him a great fit to oversee our policing division,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr.  “I am confident that he will bring the same value to the Suffolk County Police Department in his new position, and I look forward to working with him in this capacity.” Catalina was appointed as an undersheriff in 2018 and oversaw the Sheriff’s policing division as well as other ancillary units. Catalina was also instrumental in expanding the Sheriff’s Office’s roles in numerous law enforcement taskforces, including the Gilgo Beach Homicide Task Force, as well as utilizing corrections intelligence to help partner agencies solve and prevent crimes. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date: December 27, 2023 *** Arrests include one Felony DWI and two Aggravated DWI *** (Suffolk County, NY) The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office DWI Enforcement Team made seven DWI arrests over the past weekend, including one for aggravated DWI due to the high BAC and one for felony DWI due to three prior DWI convictions. On 12/22/23, Deputies working at a DWI Checkpoint in the Town of Southampton where every vehicle was directed into the checkpoint. Juan Ochoa, 34, entered the checkpoint and demonstrated clues while performing standardized field sobriety tests indicating he was intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Headquarters Bureau where he submitted to a chemical breath test resulting in a .11 BAC. Mr. Ochoa had three previous DWI convictions in 2011, 2020, and 2022. He was also driving without an ignition interlock device physically installed or present in the vehicle as per the restriction set forth on his driver’s license. He was arrested for Felony Driving While Intoxicated due to his three prior DWI convictions, circumventing a court ordered interlock device, driving with a suspended license, and other vehicle and traffic law violations. On 12/22/23, Deputies working the DWI Enforcement Team observed Oscar Flores-Fuentes, 28, swerving over the roadway lines on the Long Island Expressway near exit 57 while traveling at approximately 105 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. He demonstrated clues while performing standardized field sobriety tests indicating he was intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Headquarters Bureau in Riverhead, New York where he submitted to a chemical breath test resulting in a .18% BAC. Flores-Fuentes was charged with Aggravated DWI due to the high BAC and other violations of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Laws. On 12/24/23, Deputies working the DWI Enforcement Team observed Melissa Ann Essig, 34, fail to signal a right turn out of the King Kullen parking lot onto Waverly Ave in Patchogue. She demonstrated clues while performing standardized field sobriety tests indicating she was intoxicated. Ms. Essig was arrested and transported to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Headquarters Bureau in Riverhead, New York where she submitted to a chemical breath test resulting in a .21% BAC. She was charged with Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated due to the high blood alcohol content. Also arrested over the weekend were: Raymond Wilhelm, 57 – Driving While Intoxicated – BAC .17% Segundo Quinteros, 52 – Driving While Intoxicated – BAC .17% Lydell Funn, 47 – Driving While Intoxicated – BAC .08% Enoc Villegas, 33 – Driving While Intoxicated – Refused to give a breath sample Kyron Henry, 23 – Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Third Degree and 1st District Court Warrant Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. commends his deputies for their hard work and dedication to keeping Suffolk County safe. “The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office DWI Enforcement Team is patrolling Suffolk’s roadways looking for impaired drivers. These impaired individuals were a danger to themselves and others, and I thank my Deputies for removing them from the driver’s seat before they caused a holiday tragedy.  Deputies will continue to be on the lookout for impaired drivers through the New Year’s Eve weekend, so plan ahead before you spend the New Year in the Suffolk County Jail.” For more information on the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, please visit www.SuffolkSheriff.com. All information contained in this release has been provided for general informational purposes only. To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: December 20, 2023 SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE LEANDRA’S LAW DWI ARREST *****Intoxicated Driver with Three Children in the Car***** (ISLIP, NY) On 12/17/2023 at approximately 3:05 A.M., Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs stopped a car on Sunrise Highway in Islip, NY, for failure to maintain lane. The driver, Franklin Marquez Sarmiento, 33, of Patchogue, NY, demonstrated clues while performing standardized field sobriety tests indicating he was intoxicated. There was a 15-year-old child in the front passenger seat and a 13-year-old child and 4-year-old child in the rear passenger seats. Marquez Sarmiento was arrested for three counts Aggravated DWI (Leandra’s Law) and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was transported to the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters Bureau where he submitted to a chemical blood test. The blood was then transported to the Suffolk County Crime Lab and is pending analysis. Leandra’s Law (the Child Passenger Protection Act) is a NYS law making it an automatic felony on the first offense to drive drunk with a person age 15 or younger inside the vehicle. It was named after 11-year-old Leandra Rosado who was killed on the Henry Hudson Parkway on October 11, 2009, when she was the passenger in a car accident, driven by a driver who was allegedly driving while intoxicated. This arrest was one of four arrests for DWI over the weekend. Also arrested for Driving while intoxicated were: Emmanuel Hernandez, 31, of Cedarhurst, NY – Driving While Intoxicated Brijendrasinh Vanar, 25, of Brentwood, NY – Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated Luis Barrera Ordonez, 39, of Hicksville, NY – Driving While Intoxicated Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. commends his deputies. “Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs are out patrolling our county’s roads to keep the public safe this holiday season. This past weekend, they not only prevented intoxicated drivers from causing an accident with another driver or a pedestrian, but they potentially saved the life of three young passengers. I am proud of their ongoing vigilance in protecting the residents of Suffolk County.” The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting increased DWI patrols and traffic stops over the holiday season. Sheriff Toulon reminds you, “Stay alive- Don’t drink and drive!” ###

*** One of Five DWI Arrests Over the Weekend *** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date: November 13, 2023 (Suffolk County, NY) On 11/11/23 at approximately 12:48 AM., Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs stopped a vehicle on the Long Island Expressway in Brookhaven, NY, for speeding, failure to maintain a lane of travel, failure to use directional signals, and for displaying a partially unreadable and expired license plate. The driver, Matthew Bunai, 28, of Shirley, NY, demonstrated clues while performing standardized field sobriety tests indicating he was intoxicated. There was a six-year-old child in the rear seat behind the driver seat. At approximately 1:08 AM Bunai was arrested and transported to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Headquarters Bureau in Riverhead, NY, where he submitted to a chemical blood test. The results of the blood test are pending laboratory results by the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory. The vehicle was impounded. Bunai was charged with Aggravated DWI with a Child (Leandra’s Law), Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and various traffic violations. Leandra’s Law (the Child Passenger Protection Act) is a NYS law making it an automatic felony on the first offense to drive drunk with a person aged 15 or younger inside the vehicle. It was named after 11-year-old Leandra Rosado who was killed on the Henry Hudson Parkway on October 11, 2009, when she was the passenger in a car accident, driven by a driver who was allegedly driving while intoxicated. Also arrested for Driving While Intoxicated over the weekend were: -         Juan Castillo-Escobar, 42, of Brentwood, arrested for Aggravated DWI with a .19 BAC -         Edgar Sanchez Coello, 24, of Patchogue, arrested for DWI with a .16 BAC -         Linda Balsano, 61, of Shoreham, arrested for DWI with a .17 BAC -         Kayla Horsley, 27, of Riverhead, arrested for DWI with a .12 BAC Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. commends his deputies. “Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs are out patrolling our county’s roads to keep the public safe. This weekend, they not only prevented five intoxicated drivers from causing an accident with another driver or a pedestrian, but they potentially saved the life of a child passenger. I am proud of their ongoing vigilance in protecting the residents of Suffolk County.” For more information, visit www.suffolksheriff.com. All information contained in this release has been provided for general informational purposes only. To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ### (PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date: October 24, 2023 (Central Islip, NY) On October 19, 2023, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Squad arrested two women for crimes including Felony Criminal Possession of Stolen Property after one of the women reported to the Warrant Bureau in Islip to surrender for separate charges that were highlighted in the Suffolk Sheriff’s “Fugitive Friday” social media campaign. Investigators arrested Joy Portelli, 54, and Jodi Ann Harrigan, 54, both of Lindenhurst, NY, after they were found to be in possession of a vehicle that was reported stolen by Avis Car Rental, out of Roanoke, VA. This arrest was the final arrest in a series of events that began in August, 2023 when Ms. Portelli left NY with her son. Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. notes the complexity of this case and the interagency communication that led to the arrests. “I believe that these arrests are an example of the great work performed by Investigators of the Warrant Squad and are a testimony to the effectiveness of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office “Fugitive Friday” social media campaign. I commend my Deputies for their hard work and thank them for returning this child safely to his father.” Joy Portelli, who is the non-custodial parent, absconded with her son on August 26, 2023 on a flight to Orlando, FL, from MacArthur Airport. On September 19, Ms. Portelli was arrested in Woodbridge, VA, by the William City Police Department for Brandishing a Firearm. At the time of her arrest by William City PD, Ms. Portelli was operating a Grey 2022 Chrysler Pacifica with Illinois plates, which was subsequently reported stolen. At the time of this arrest, Portelli was with her minor son and her friend, Jodi Ann Harrigan. Ms. Portelli’s son was left in the custody of Harrigan, who informed the William City PD that she would turn over custody of the child to his uncle, Christopher Orthodoxon. Mr. Orthodoxon was also the person who rented the Chrysler Pacifica that Portelli was operating at the time of her arrest. Portelli was released on the payment of $1500 bail later the same day. On September 20, Joseph Portelli, Sr., husband of Joy Portelli and father of the child, appeared in Suffolk County Family Court in front of the Honorable Matthew Hughes. Judge Hughes issued an order of protection for Joy Portelli to stay away from both of her minor sons. Judge Hughes also issued a Temporary Order of Custody naming Joseph Portelli Sr. as the custodial parent of both children, and a Family Court arrest warrant for Joy Portelli for Child Neglect. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office featured Joy Portelli in a “Fugitive Friday” social media post which led to her self-surrender on October 19. Meanwhile, Warrant Squad investigators canvassed the First District Court parking lot and located the stolen Chrysler Pacifica, which was occupied by Jodi Ann Harrigan. Ms. Harrigan was then arrested by Investigators and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4 (E Felony). Joy Portelli was additionally charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle 3 and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4 (E Felony). The subject vehicle was impounded as evidence at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Impound Section in Westhampton. Ms. Portelli appeared in Family Court and was released on her own recognizance. Her son was released to the custody of his father. For more information on the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, please visit www.suffolksheriff.com. ### (PHOTOS PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: October 20, 2023 *** First Championship Win*** (Las Vegas, NV) On October 7, 2023, the Suffolk County Lawmen Softball Team won the 2023 Police Softball World Series Mid-Major Division held in Las Vegas, Nevada. This multi-day, double elimination tournament featured 70 law enforcement teams from across the nation. The Suffolk Lawmen, a team made up of Correction Officers, Deputy Sheriffs, and Police Officers from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and the Suffolk County Police Department, battled to the winner’s bracket finals where they beat the Miami Metro Dawgs on a walk-off homerun, 23-22. Suffolk would again face the Miami Metro Dawgs in the tournament final. In the final game of the series, Miami jumped out to an early lead, showing off their offense. Suffolk fought back throughout the game to take the lead in the top of the 7th and final inning. They were able to hold Miami scoreless in the bottom of the 7th to win the championship with a score of 25-24. This was the Suffolk County Lawmen’s 13th time competing in the Police Softball World Series and their first championship win. Members of the Suffolk County Lawmen were recognized for their outstanding game play. Correction Officer Investigator John Gilliam was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while Sergeant Jamie Torres and Correction Officer Alex Porcillo were named to the All-World team. Correction Officer Ken DeFelice was named the ‘Pat Hill Inspiration Award’ winner for the tournament. For more information on the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, please visit www.suffolksheriff.com. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date: October 16, 2023 (CENTEREACH, NY) The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau recently arrested two individuals for fictitiously posting a 14-Day Eviction Notice on their tenant’s door. On October 13, 2023, a tenant inquired at the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Civil Bureau about a 14-Day Eviction Notice posted on their door that appeared to be fictitious. Deputies at the Civil Bureau investigated and concluded that there was no record of any eviction case against this tenant and that the document appeared to be forged. In a collaborative investigation with the Civil Bureau, Criminal Investigations Bureau Investigators responded to the residential apartment in Centereach with Civil Bureau Deputies, took a statement from the tenant, and spoke to the property manager and her associate. Grace Rossi, 52, of Centereach, NY, and Cheryl Florie, 43, admitted to creating the forged 14-Day Notice and falsely serving it on the tenant. Rossi and Florie were both subsequently arrested, and each were charged with forgery in the second degree and possession of a forged instrument. They were arraigned in 1st District Court in Central Islip on October 14, 2023, where they pleaded not guilty and were released without bail. Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. commends these investigators for their hard work. “Suffolk County Deputies are always on the lookout for forged documents, whether they are fake car inspection stickers, photocopied license plates, or, as in this case, fictitious eviction notices. I thank my Deputies for their diligence in bringing these two forgers to justice.” For more information on the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, please visit www.suffolksheriff.com.