Date: August 12, 2022 SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DEPUTY SHERIFFS MAKE DRUG ARREST AFTER FOOT CHASE *** Suspect’s Vehicle Contained Cocaine and Drug Paraphernalia (BOHEMIA, NY) On August 12, 2022, at approximately 2:58 a.m., Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs observed Lester A. Franco, 29, of Bay Shore, NY, operating a motor vehicle at a high rate of speed on Sunrise Highway in Bohemia. Franco was stopped by the Deputy Sheriffs on Johnson Ave. on suspicion of DWI where fled on foot through a nearby parking lot. Deputy Sheriff’s pursued Franco on foot and apprehended him after he resisted arrest. A subsequent search of the vehicle found over 10 ounces of cocaine, plastic baggies, and a scale. Franco was charged with one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third (B Felony), one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth (C Felony), DWI – 1st Offense, two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in the 2nd (A Misdemeanor), and miscellaneous vehicle and traffic charges. Sheriff Toulon commends his Deputy Sheriff’s for their vigilance. “This suspect was stopped on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and the arrest turned into a foot pursuit and a dangerous struggle. My Deputy Sheriffs never know what they will encounter when they make a traffic stop and I commend them for their bravery and diligence in bringing this man to justice and keeping Suffolk County safe.” ###

Date: July 25, 2022 END OF WATCH RIDE TO REMEMBER Honors the Memory of Correction Sgt. John R. Lowry with Stop at the Riverhead Correctional Facility (Riverhead, NY) On Sunday, July 24, The Beyond the Call of Duty – End of Watch Ride to Remember caravan visited the Riverhead Correctional Facility to honor the life and salute the family of fallen Sheriff’s Office Sgt. John Lowry. Beyond the Call of Duty – End of Watch Ride to Remember is a group of motorcycle riders from the state of Washington escorting a 41' trailer across the country to honor fallen officers from the prior year. The group is riding for 79 days between June 1 and August 18 and they are traveling 22,000+ miles across the country to honor more than 600 men and women of law enforcement who paid the ultimate price in their service to our communities in 2021. The caravan stopped at the Riverhead Correctional Facility where they were greeted by the family and colleagues of Sgt. John R. Lowry who died in service on October 6, 2021 due to complications from COVID-19. Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., along with Suffolk County Correction Officers, Deputy Sheriffs, family members, and NYS Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio gathered under a tent outside the Correctional Facility to pay tribute and show appreciation to the End of Watch riders. Sheriff Toulon spoke to the gathering about the dedication of correction officers and the bond that exists between those who wear the badge. “The men and women of the Sheriff’s Office put themselves in harm’s way every single day and make countless sacrifices to keep our communities safe and to better the lives of many,” said Sheriff Toulon. “We salute you, and mourn the loss of Sgt. Lowry and all of our fallen brothers and sisters.” About Beyond the Call of Duty: Beyond the Call of Duty is an organization that, through its “End of Watch Ride to Remember” event, recognizes police officers – throughout the nation – who died while in the line of duty. End of Watch Ride to Remember is on a mission to pay their respects to each of them and assist the families of the fallen however they can. A peaceful community is a prosperous community and we owe a debt of gratitude to those officers who make it possible for us to live in a peaceful and free society. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EOWRide ###

Date: July 5, 2022 For Immediate Release ***** ARRESTS INCLUDE LEANDRA’S LAW ARREST ***** (RIVERHEAD, NY) The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office conducted increased DWI patrols over the 4th of July weekend, resulting in seven arrests including one for violating Leandra’s Law. On July 3, 2022 at 2:50 a.m. Deputy Sheriffs arrested Lydiana Soto Martinez, 37, Medford on charges of Aggravated DWI - Child in Vehicle (E-Felony), Driving While Intoxicated (U-Misdemeanor) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A-Misdemeanor). Ms. Soto was stopped for failing to maintain her lane of travel on SR 112 in Medford. A subsequent investigation revealed she exhibited signs of intoxication including slurred speech, blood shot eyes, and an odor of an alcoholic beverage on her breath. Her three children aged 15, 12, and 5 were passengers in the vehicle she was operating. She was placed into custody on the above charges and transported to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Enforcement Bureau. Ms. Soto submitted to a chemical blood test and results are pending with the Suffolk Crime Lab. Ms. Soto was arraigned on July 3rd, 2022, at Suffolk County First District Court. 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 seven arrests for Driving While Intoxicated over the holiday weekend. 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 weekend, they not only prevented seven intoxicated drivers from causing an accident with another driver or a pedestrian, but they potentially saved the life of three children in one of the vehicles. I am proud of their ongoing vigilance in protecting the residents of Suffolk County.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: May 31, 2022 (YAPHANK, NY) Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Correction Officers made a major contraband discovery on May 18, 2022, as an inmate was attempting to introduce dangerous drugs and weapons into the Yaphank Correctional Facility. As he was being booked into the Yaphank Correctional Facility, William Santiago, 36, of Holtsville, NY was found to be in possession of multiple ceramic razor blades, drugs, and lighting materials during the routine intake search. All inmates are thoroughly searched for contraband upon booking into the facility. Santiago initially denied having any contraband, but after a thorough search he admitted to having secreted multiple small packages in his body. He was able to produce the packages and turn them over to Sheriff’s Office Corrections Investigators. These packages contained: three large ceramic razor blades, six small ceramic razor blades, one small bag of fentanyl, eleven bundles containing over 100 strips of suboxone, K2 (synthetic marijuana), match strikers, rolling papers, and numerous match heads. At the time, Santiago was being booked into the jail for later transport to New York State prison after he was sentenced to 3-6 years for felony criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. Deputy Sheriff Investigators have now charged inmate Santiago with eleven counts of promoting prison contraband in the first degree, nine counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, one count of promoting prison contraband in the second degree, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Sheriff Toulon commends his Correction Officers. “These vigilant Correction Officers and Investigators prevented possible seriously injury or the loss of life of both staff and inmates alike with this discovery. These razor blades could have been used both here in the Suffolk County Correctional Facility and upstate in prison. I salute their hard work and commend them for their diligence in keeping Suffolk County safe.” PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ###

Three “Ghost” handguns, 41 high capacity magazines, a firearm silencer, and various drugs discovered (EAST SETAUKET, NY) On Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at approximately 10:23 a.m. Deputy Sheriffs from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Domestic Violence Bureau served an Extreme Risk Protection Order on Robert Ludwig, 26, of East Setauket. An Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) is a court order issued when a person may be dangerous to themselves or others. The Extreme Risk Protection Order Law became effective in New York State as of August 24, 2019, and prevents individuals who show signs of being a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing any kind of firearm. While serving the order, Deputy Sheriffs discovered multiple illegal weapons and drug paraphernalia. A subsequent search warrant was obtained by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau and was served in collaboration with the Domestic Violence Unit. This search warrant resulted in the seizure of: - Three 9 millimeter “ghost” handguns - 41 - high capacity magazines - Over 4,000 rounds of ammo - A firearm silencer A quantity of: - Amphetamines - Fentanyl - Marijuana - LSD - Psychedelic mushrooms - THC Edibles - Concentrated cannabis - Xanax - Suboxone - 2 scales - And over $ 50,000.00 in cash Robert Ludwig was arrested and charged with: 1 count Possession of a controlled substance 2nd A Felony 3 counts Possession of a controlled substance 3rd B Felony 3 counts Criminal possession of a weapon 3rd D Felony 3 counts Criminal possession of a firearm E Felony 2 counts Possession of a controlled substance 7th A Misd. 2 counts Criminally using drug paraphernalia 2nd A Misd. 1 count Criminal possession of a weapon 4th A Misd. 1 count Criminal contempt 2nd A Misd. Additional charges pending. For more information on Extreme Risk Protection Orders, visit www.SuffolkSheriff.com and click on “Services” and then “Extreme Risk Protection Order.”

During National Pet Week, Sheriff Toulon Launches Suffolk’s First Lost Pet Network that will Help Quickly Locate Missing Pets Utilizing ID Driven Database, Deputy Sheriffs and Other Stakeholders (CENTRAL ISLIP, NY) Today, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr., was joined by Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter and Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross to announce the creation of Suffolk County’s first ever Lost Pet Network. The new program will provide participating owners with a printed pet identification card and enrolled pets will be added to a database designed to help quickly locate missing animals. “As Suffolk County Sheriff my priority is keeping residents safe, and that extends to the four-legged members of our communities. The Sheriff’s Lost Pet Network will help Deputy Sheriffs and other municipal partners swiftly and safely locate residents’ missing pets by utilizing an ID driven database. I look forward to embarking on this new program that will hopefully return more dogs and cats back to their loving families,” said Sheriff Toulon. The American Humane Society estimates that each year, approximately 10 million pets are lost in the United States, and tragically, only 15 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats in shelters without microchips are reunited with their owners. Until now, Suffolk County has lacked one central method for people to report missing pets and spread the news across the necessary channels. Suffolk pet owners can now protect their pets from going missing by registering for the Sheriff’s Lost Pet Network to receive a free physical identification card and be added to the Sheriff’s pet database. If a registered pet is reported missing, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office will send an alert and share identifying information with Deputy Sheriffs and local municipalities. Any enrolled pets that go missing will also be posted on a designated website and on the Sheriff’s social media pages. “This is another valuable tool that can assist pet owners when locating a lost pet. We commend Sheriff Toulon for creating this worthwhile program, and look forward to its success,” said Islip Supervisor, Angie Carpenter. In order to participate, residents will need to fill out a brief form and provide a clear picture of the pet (form and specific directions can be found here). The information collected will include breed, address, contact information and any medical needs. This information will be stored on a secure database which will help the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office alert the appropriate stakeholders if a pet goes missing. Each pet is assigned a unique number (on the pet ID card) that will link to the database so the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office can quickly disseminate accurate identifying information about the missing pet and help to swiftly and safely return the animal to its owner. After enrolling, residents can pick up a physical copy of the ID card at the Sheriff’s Civil Enforcement Bureau at 360 Yaphank Ave. For more information on how to enroll or to view missing pets, visit www.SuffolkSheriff.com. ###

Date: April 6, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE COLLECTS CELLPHONES FOR VULNERABLE RESIDENTS ***** Collected Cell Phones Wiped of Information and Repurposed ***** (RIVERHEAD, NY) The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is collecting unused cell phones to be repurposed into lifelines for Suffolk County’s most vulnerable residents. Through a partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank in Ocala, FL, the Sheriff’s Office will collect unused cell phones and electronic devices at all of its locations. These devices will be securely wiped of all information and reprogrammed for use by victims of domestic violence, senior citizens, and victim services agencies. Sheriff Toulon reminds residents that not everyone has a cell phone. “When domestic violence occurs, the victim often leaves with nothing but the clothes on her back. She often has no money, no documents, and no cell phone. This program provides a lifeline to get the victim back on her feet.” According to the 911 Cell Phone Bank website, “Consumers and businesses are discarding electronic devices at an alarming rate. It is estimated that far less than half of the 40 million tons of electronic devices manufactured in the US alone are recycled. We feel the best form of recycling is reuse, especially when someone vulnerable is helped.” Collection bins are located at each Correctional Facility in the Visiting Lobby, at the Civil Enforcement Bureau in Yaphank, and at 1st District Court in Central Islip. Join the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and help our county’s most vulnerable residents! For more information, visit www.SuffolkSheriff.com. ###

For Immediate Release: Date: April 1, 2022 UPDATE: FUGITIVE DRIVER APPREHENDED AFTER FLEEING FENTANYL, HEROIN, AND CRACK ARREST ***** DRIVER FLED SCENE AFTER CRASHING VEHICLE ***** (YAPHANK, NY) The driver of the vehicle that crashed after speeding away from Sheriff’s Deputies on Friday was arrested at his residence in Yaphank on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. An extensive investigation was conducted by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau that included evidence collected at the scene and security camera video. Daniel Mason, 20, of Yaphank, NY, was arrested as he left his home address by officers conducting surveillance of his residence. Mason was charged with 5 counts of possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, 1 count of possession of a controlled substance in the 5th degree, 1 count of Unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the 3rd degree, and 1 count of reckless driving, a misdemeanor. The vehicle from the original incident has been impounded and an investigation is ongoing including processing of the vehicle. Original release: On Friday, March 25, 2022, at approximately 3:50 p.m., Suffolk County Sheriff’s Deputies were traveling westbound on the Long Island Expressway, east of exit 67 in a marked unit when they observed a 2020 Mazda bearing Georgia license plates traveling at a high rate of speed with two male occupants inside. Deputies stopped the vehicle, and while approaching the vehicle, the vehicle sped away. It exited the Long Island Expressway at exit 65 and crashed into a telephone pole at the corner of Falcon Ave. in Medford. The front seat passenger, Edward Smith, 20, of Yaphank, NY, fled on foot and was apprehended a short distance away. The driver fled the scene and is still at large. A quantity of drugs including over 3 grams of Fentanyl, over 3 grams of Heroin, over 6 grams of Crack Cocaine, 14 suboxone pills, a small quantity of marijuana, a stun gun, and $3,240.00 in cash were discovered in the vehicle and on the scene. Passenger Edward Smith was charged with: three counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th. The vehicle has been impounded and an investigation is ongoing. Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. commends his deputies for their vigilance. “Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs are patrolling our county’s roads day and night to keep the public safe. A seemingly straightforward traffic stop for speeding can turn into a dangerous situation for the deputies and the public when the driver attempts to flee. In this case, thankfully no one was seriously injured and Deputies took dangerous drugs off the streets. I thank my deputies for their hard work.” For more information, contact Sgt. Paul Spinella at paul.spinella@suffolkcountyny.gov. ###

March 26, 2022 For Immediate Release: SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MAKES FENTANYL, HEROIN AND CRACK ARREST ***** PASSENGER ARRESTED, DRIVER STILL AT LARGE ***** (MEDFORD, NY) On Friday, March 25, 2022, at approximately 3:50 p.m., Suffolk County Sheriff’s Deputies were traveling westbound on the Long Island Expressway, east of exit 67 in a marked unit when they observed a 2020 Mazda bearing Georgia license plates traveling at a high rate of speed with two male occupants inside. Deputies stopped the vehicle, and while approaching the vehicle, the vehicle sped away. It exited the Long Island Expressway at exit 65 and crashed into a telephone pole at the corner of Falcon Ave. in Medford. The front seat passenger, Edward Smith, 20, of Yaphank, NY, fled on foot and was apprehended a short distance away. The driver fled the scene and is still at large. A quantity of drugs including over 3 grams of Fentanyl, over 3 grams of Heroin, over 6 grams of Crack Cocaine, 14 suboxone pills, a small quantity of marijuana, a stun gun, and $3,240.00 in cash were discovered in the vehicle and on the scene. Passenger Edward Smith was charged with: three counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th. The vehicle has been impounded and an investigation is ongoing. Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. commends his deputies for their vigilance. “Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs are patrolling our county’s roads day and night to keep the public safe. A seemingly straightforward traffic stop for speeding can turn into a dangerous situation for the deputies and the public when the driver attempts to flee. In this case, thankfully no one was seriously injured and Deputies took dangerous drugs off the streets. I thank my deputies for their hard work.” For more information, contact Sgt. Paul Spinella at paul.spinells@suffolkcountyny.gov. ###

Date: March 23, 2022 For Immediate Release SUFFOLK SHERIFF ERROL TOULON, JR. SWORN IN FOR SECOND TERM Oath of Office Administered by AG James Sheriff Toulon Outlines Agenda for Second Term and Announces Major New Initiatives (BRENTWOOD, NY) - On Friday, March 18, 2022, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office held a formal inauguration ceremony marking the second term of Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. as Suffolk County Sheriff. The ceremony was held at the Van Nostrand Theater on the campus of Suffolk County Community College – Grant Campus. Sheriff Toulon was given the oath of office by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. The event was rescheduled from its original date in December due to COVID-19. During his inaugural address, Sheriff Toulon outlined his agenda for his second term which included an announcement about a first-of-its-kind intelligence network spearheaded by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. Called the In Custody Intelligence Network, this jail/prison intelligence sharing network will enable the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office to have a greater footprint with law enforcement partners, and more specifically, with corrections professionals in the jail and prison system in New York State and across state lines. Former Congressman Peter King will assist with this network in an advisory capacity. Sheriff Toulon stated, “Recently, I was appointed by the Major County Sheriffs of America to a position on their Intelligence Committee. I am one of only 15 sheriffs throughout the nation to be a part of this committee. Through discussion and meetings, our goal is to share intelligence and discuss trends that are occurring in our local facilities and in the communities.” Sheriff Toulon also announced an expansion of the Sheriff’s Transition and Reentry Team (S.T.A.R.T) Resource Center, with the full support of Presiding Officer McCaffrey. “We have identified a larger space in which to move our S.T.A.R.T. Resource Center to increase services provided. If we can help these individuals address their issues, there will be less crime and victims in our community,” said Sheriff Toulon. Sheriff Toulon spoke about the link between crime and mental health and substance abuse. “From speaking to countless justice involved individuals and the families of those incarcerated, I have pinpointed many patterns in the prison pipeline. A link I cannot ignore is the one between crime and mental health and substance abuse issues. There is both a drug and a mental health epidemic on Long Island and I want to do all I can to help solve it. In the coming months, I will be creating a robust mental health initiative to try to expand access to services, drug and rehabilitation programs inside and outside of the jail to help put an end to this tragic cycle. Featured speakers included: Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer New York State Attorney General Letitia James Former US Congressman Peter King Tracey Edwards, Long Island Regional Director of the NAACP ###

Date: March 19, 2022 For Immediate Release: SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE LEANDRA’S LAW DWI ARREST ***** Intoxicated Driver with a Ten-Month Old Infant in the Backseat ***** (RIVERHEAD, NY) On 03/19/2022 at approximately 12:03 AM, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Deputies stopped a car on North Ocean Avenue, south of the Long Island Expressway for failure to maintain lane. The driver, Maria Carballo, 29, of Patchogue, NY, was found to be intoxicated. In the rear of the vehicle, in an infant car seat, was the only other occupant, Ms. Carballo's ten-month old son. Ms. Carballo was arrested for Leandra's Law DWI and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. She consented to a blood test. The results of the blood test are pending from the Crime Lab. The infant was released into the custody of his father who came to the scene and the vehicle was impounded as evidence. 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. 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. In this case, they not only prevented an intoxicated driver from causing an accident with another driver or a pedestrian, but they potentially saved the life of an infant in the vehicle. I am proud of their ongoing vigilance in protecting the residents of Suffolk County.” For more information, contact Sgt. Paul Spinella at paul.spinells@suffolkcountyny.gov. ###

(Riverhead, NY) Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Correction Officers intercepted a meat cleaver in a package mailed to the Riverhead Correctional Facility last week. An Amazon.com package addressed to an inmate was delivered to to the Riverhead Correctional Facility last week. Upon inspection, a meat cleaver was discovered to be among the contents of the package. The meat cleaver was confiscated and any other allowable items were delivered to the inmate. All packages sent to the Suffolk County Correctional Facility are opened and inspected as per NYS Minimum Standards and Regulations for Management of County Jails and Penitentiaries. Sheriff Toulon commends the diligent work of his Correction Officers. “Careful inspection and processing of all mail and packages before they enter the correctional facility is critical. Any dangerous item, let alone a large knife, that makes its way into the facility could be deadly for staff and inmates alike. While this large meat cleaver was easy to detect, I thank my staff for their careful work in preventing smaller dangerous weapons and drugs from making their way inside through the US mail.” ###