Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. and Suffolk County Sheriff Office Investigators from the Criminal Investigations Bureau recently announced charges on two individuals after a visitor allegedly conspired to pass drugs and contraband to an incarcerated individual using a six-year-old child. The charges come after Sheriff’s Office Internal Security investigated a promoting prison contraband attempt between incarcerated individual Kadeem Lewis and visitor Shanita Limehouse. During a visit at the Riverhead Facility on January 14, 2023, Sheriff’s Office Investigators observed visitor Shanita Limehouse utilizing a six-year-old child to transfer contraband to Kadeem Lewis. Upon an interrogation and search of Lewis, K2 spice and matches were discovered. On March 2, 2023 Kadeem Lewis was charged on with promoting prison contraband first degree, conspiracy in the fifth degree, and endangering the welfare of a child. On March 9, 2023 Shanita Limehouse was charged with promoting prison contraband first degree, conspiracy in the fifth degree, and endangering the welfare of a child. Child Protective Services (CPS) was also notified of the incident. Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. commends his staff for stopping drugs and other contraband from entering the Suffolk County Correctional Facility. “With this arrest, our Officers were not only able to stop contraband from entering our facility, they also protected the welfare of an innocent child who was exploited to commit this crime. Drugs inside the jail are worth ten times what they are on the streets -- making them even more dangerous and more likely to cause violent fights and medical emergencies. I commend our Investigators for their diligent work and dedication in keeping the staff and population of the Suffolk County Correctional Facilities safe.”

On February 25, 2023, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriffs arrested Gabriel Joshua Kantrow, 32, as a fugitive from justice from the State of Colorado. Mr. Kantrow is wanted out of Adams County, Colorado, on the charge of sexual exploitation of minor-material film, a felony in the State of Colorado. Mr. Kantrow was arrested when the Deputy Sheriff at the Yaphank Correctional Facility security booth requested identifitcation from all vehicle occupants of a vehicle attempting to enter the facility to visit an incarcerated individual. Mr. Kantrow was a passenger in the vehicle. Adams County confirmed the warrant and that they will extradite the defendant. Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. commends the Deputy Sheriff on this arrest. “I am proud of the diligent work of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriffs for identifying this fugitive and taking him into custody so he can be returned to Colorado where he will answer for his crimes.”

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Proactive Impaired Driver Reduction Effort (S.P.I.D.R.E) Team arrested a driver who was almost three times over the legal blood alcohol limit (.08%) for drunk driving. On 02/14/2023, at approximately 11:21 p.m., Sheriff’s Deputies observed Ruth Rivera-Beltran, 50, of Deer Park, NY, driving a vehicle on Sunrise Highway in Islip. Ms. Rivera-Beltran was observed failing to maintain her lane of travel by swerving over the lines separating the lanes of travel on both sides several times. Deputies stopped the vehicle and Rivera-Beltran demonstrated clues while performing standardized field sobriety tests that indicated she was intoxicated. At approximately 11:40 p.m. Ms. Rivera-Beltran was arrested and transported to 100 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY, where she submitted to a chemical breath test resulting in a .22% BAC. In New York State, a BAC of 0.18 and higher results in charges of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated. A second offense within 10 years upgrades the charges from a misdemeanor to a class E felony, with a minimum $1,000 fine, up to 4 years in jail, and a minimum 18-month driver’s license revocation. Sheriff Toulon applauds the hard work of the S.P.I.D.R.E Team. “We have a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving in Suffolk County. Rest assured, our DWI Enforcement Team is out nightly looking for impaired drivers. This motorist was nearly 3x over the legal limit and was so intoxicated she could have killed or seriously injured other drivers or herself. I thank these highly trained Deputies for their vigilance and for keeping Suffolk County’s roadways safe.”

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. is announcing increased DWI patrols leading up to Super Bowl Sunday on February 12, one of the highest-risk holidays of the year for alcohol related accidents. Deputy Sheriffs will be on high alert for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs in order to keep Suffolk County roads safe. “I want to remind residents that Deputy Sheriffs are always on the lookout for people driving under the influence, but it will be especially true this weekend. If you plan on going out for the big game, first plan on how you will be getting home. We have zero tolerance for drunk and drugged drivers. If you drink and drive you are putting your life and those around you at risk — have a designated driver, call an Uber, or stay off the roads altogether,” said Sheriff Toulon. Super Bowl Sunday is one of the biggest drinking days of the year. According to statistics, drunk driving incidents increase by approximately 22% on game day. In fact, according to AAA, more alcohol-related accidents and DUI-related injuries occur on Super Bowl Sunday than on any other day of the year, aside from New Year's Eve. Here are some Super Bowl safety tips courtesy of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office: If you are hosting a party, designate a sober driver or arrange for alternate transportation to ensure your guests get home safely. Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your vehicle keys. Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter and instead provide coffee and dessert. If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home, call a taxi or rideshare service, or just stay for the night. Take the keys of a friend if you think they are about to drive while impaired.

Today, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. and the Executive Staff of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office held two promotional ceremonies for Corrections Officers and Deputy Sheriffs who have recently been promoted. The ceremony recognized Officers who were promoted during COVID-19 mandates that prohibited a formal ceremony. “Due to COVID-19 protocols, many Officers did not get proper recognition for their promotion. It takes a degree of high caliber and merit to rise the ranks and we wanted to remind them that their work and dedication is valued and that we are there for them,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. The two ceremonies recognized over 60 officers who were promoted to ranks of Captain, Lieutenant or Sergeant as well as those who received an Investigator shield. Rank promotions are achieved through exceptional marks on highly competitive exams in addition to their distinguished service in the Sheriff’s Office. “On behalf of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, I congratulate these men and women on their achievements and wish them success in their new roles,” said Sheriff Toulon.

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office held a swearing in ceremony for sixteen new Deputy Sheriff Recruits today at the Maxine S. Postal Auditorium in the Riverhead County Center. These new Deputy Sheriff Recruits will begin a rigorous six-month training program that includes instruction in firearms, emergency vehicle operations (EVOC), EMT training, and individualized field training. The recruits will graduate in the summer, joining a force consisting of 246 Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs. Sheriff Toulon welcomed these new deputies to the Sheriff’s Office, reminding them that they “now hold a position of authority in Suffolk County, and with that authority comes great responsibility.” The class consists of 2 former Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Correction Officers, 1 former NYS Court Officer, 4 former NYPD Officers and five Veterans. For more information on the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Policing Division, please visit www.suffolkcountysheriffsoffice.com/police-division.

Retiring while in the hospital with COVID-19, Officer Heaton to formally receive Retired Shield from Sheriff Toulon Today, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr., our executive staff and immediate family were in attendance as Retired Correction Officer Timothy Heaton received his Retired Shield. Officer Heaton served the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office for 25 years until a nearly six-month battle with COVID-19 which he miraculously recovered from last Spring. Officer Heaton was hospitalized with severe COVID-19 complications in September 2021 and spent over 160 days in Stony Brook Hospital, finally being released in March 2022. During his battle, he missed many milestones including his retirement from the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office and becoming a grandfather.

7 Inters graduated from 13-week program that gives an inside look into Corrections and Deputy Sheriff Career Paths. Today Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. honored the Sheriff's Office interns at a graduation ceremony at the Yaphank Correctional Facility. This fall, 7 interns participated in the coveted 13-week program designed to give college-aged students hands-on experience of the different units and career paths available at the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office. Participants toured the Correctional Facilities, Warrant Squad, Domestic Violence Bureau and Marine Bureau, while learning firsthand from officers about their daily duties and experiences as a law enforcement officer. They also had the opportunity to participate in Active Threat Scenarios and take a ride along with a Deputy Sheriff to gain knowledge of patrol procedures and the enforcement of traffic laws. These experiences allow young adults to work alongside officers in each area to give them a unique experience to help them make informed choices about pursuing a career in law enforcement.

SHERIFF’S START RESOURCE CENTER TO OFFER SUPPORT SERVICES IN AXIS COMMUNITY CENTER IN PORT JEFFERSON Additional location offers new hope for justice involved individuals with access to vital resources, job assistance, food, clothing and more Today, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. joined with Axis Church leaders, service providers, elected officials and justice involved individuals to announce the opening of a new location for the START Resource Center on the campus on the Axis Community Center at 19 N Country Rd, in Port Jefferson, New York. The Sheriff’s Transition and Reentry Team (START) was formed by Sheriff Toulon in 2020 and has since become a nationwide model for reentry services. With 85% of individuals leaving the Suffolk Correctional Facilities remaining in Suffolk County, Sheriff Toulon is committed to making sure they have the tools and resources they need to live productive lives upon reentering our communities. Since launching the program has seen tremendous results, with the recidivism rate of those participating landing at nearly half of the NYS average. The new location at the Axis Community Center will mirror the services of the START Resource Center and offer connections to resources for mental health and drug abuse, services for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, assistance with obtaining documentation and employment as well as food, clothing and more. The services are free of charge for formerly incarcerated individuals residing in Suffolk County (regardless of where and when they were incarcerated) as well as for family members of incarcerated individuals. This is the second community-based satellite location of the START Resource Center, with the first opening in Wyandanch in 2021.

This year's Correction Recruit Class Community Service project was to collect and deliver toys and winter coats to Long Island Head Start in Brentwood, NY. The 52 Correction Officer Recruits donated enough presents for 52 children who are served by LI Head Start. These presents include educational and fun toys and warm winter coats for boys and girls aged 2-5. As part of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Recruit Class Curriculum, all new recruits develop and participate in a community service project. This Community Service Initiative was implemented in 2013 to emphasize to new officers the importance of giving back to the residents we serve. Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. is proud of his newest Correction Officers. “Community Service is a huge part of what we do at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. I am proud of the hard work of these 52 Recruits in making sure that Suffolk County’s youngest residents enjoy a warm and festive holiday season.” Please join us in recognizing the Recruits’ efforts for making sure those in need will not be forgotten this holiday season! About Long Island Head Start: Long Island Head Start serves thousands of children and their families each year in over 20 licensed Head Start and Early Head Start centers throughout Suffolk County. For more information, please visit www.liheadstart.org.

Santa Claus is Enlisting the Help of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and Suffolk Residents to Save Christmas Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. announced today that the official “Naughty and Nice List” used by Santa Claus himself has gone missing. On Monday, December 5, 2022, Sheriff Toulon and Santa Claus were scheduled to meet at the Sheriff’s Office in Riverhead to discuss the good boys and girls of Suffolk County, as they always do this time of year. As the County Sheriff, Sheriff Toulon has a unique insight into the behavior of the residents of Suffolk County and Santa likes to check in with him each Christmas Season. The “Naughty and Nice List” was discovered missing at approximately 9:00 am, when Santa Claus parked his sleigh outside “Frosty’s Milk and Cookies” in Riverhead, NY. Mr. Claus reported that he had stopped on his way to the meeting for a black and white cookie, something he can only get in the New York area. “I always visit Sheriff Toulon before Christmas to see how the boys and girls of Suffolk County have been behaving throughout the year,” said Mr. Claus. “We go over the List and make any updates as needed. Without the List, how will I know who the good boys and girls are this year? I should never have stopped for that black and white cookie!” Sheriff Toulon said the Sheriff’s Office does not have any leads. “Unfortunately, nearby security cameras were not working and Santa did not lock his sleigh before heading into the store. I would like to remind all residents to lock their vehicles and take their keys with them before running in to a store this holiday season.” Santa Claus has asked Sheriff Toulon and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office to help him identify who has been naughty or nice in Suffolk County. He would like the comment section of the Sheriff’s office Facebook and Instagram Pages to be the new “Suffolk County Naughty and Nice List.” If you have been good this year, please visit the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Facebook or Instagram page and let Santa know that you have been a good boy or girl. You can leave a message in the comment section or record a video telling Santa why you deserve a present this year. Santa will be keeping an eye on this List as he packs his sleigh for Christmas Eve. “I know the children of Suffolk County have been good all year and deserve presents for Christmas,” said Sheriff Toulon. “I look forward to reading about all of the good behavior and forwarding this List to Santa Claus in time for Christmas Eve.” The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page can be found at www.facebook.com/SuffolkSheriff. The Sheriff’s Office Instagram page can be found at www.instagram.com/suffolksheriff. Links to both of these pages can be found at www.suffolksheriff.com. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: December 2, 2022 (Riverhead, NY) The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office will once again undertake enhanced enforcement aimed at illegal parking in handicap spaces throughout Suffolk County. Effective immediately and through New Year’s Day, all Deputy Sheriffs will be directing additional enforcement efforts to violations of sections 1203-b and 1203-c of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Sheriff Toulon stated, “The purpose of this enforcement is to act as a deterrent to the illegal use of handicap parking spots, which creates an additional hardship, especially during the holiday season, for the residents of Suffolk County who actually are in need of these spaces.” For more information on the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, please visit www.suffolksheriff.com. ###