Arrests, Events & Local Stars on the Rise

Good Morning,

Today brings some difficult stories. From serious local news to inspiring events and hometown wins, there’s a lot to take in—but still plenty of good to see.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🚒 A person was killed in Medford after a crash involving a fire truck Thursday. Police are still investigating what led to the fatal collision. [News 12 Long Island]

🚓 Four people were arrested after police raided multiple massage parlors in Suffolk County suspected of illegal activity. The businesses were part of a broader investigation into alleged unlicensed operations. [Daily Voice]

⚖️ An East Patchogue man has been indicted for selling carfentanil, a powerful synthetic opioid, that led to a fatal overdose. Prosecutors say the drug is 100 times stronger than fentanyl and poses extreme danger. [Suffolk County District Attorney]

🍼 An East Patchogue man was arrested for allegedly driving drunk with his 1-year-old son in the car. Police say he was swerving on the road before being pulled over and charged with multiple offenses. [Patch]

Local Pulse

New Charges Unsealed in Case of Missing East Patchogue Teen

Eight new counts have been unsealed in the case of an East Patchogue girl who was allegedly raped multiple times during a 25-day disappearance last December. The latest indictment names 11 defendants, including two men newly charged with second-degree rape.

Anthony Wright, 40, of Amityville, and Daniel Soto, 36, of Bay Shore, were arrested last month and are now accused of engaging in sexual acts with the 14-year-old girl while she stayed on a boat docked at a marina in Islip. Both men have denied the allegations and are set to be arraigned on April 1. The man accused of initially taking the girl, Alton Harrell, 35, of Bellport, remains in custody without bail. He faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree kidnapping, which carries a potential life sentence. Prosecutors allege that Harrell held the girl in an abandoned home before she was moved to other locations, including the boat where she was later found on January 3.

Several other defendants remain charged with crimes ranging from child sex trafficking to drug offenses. Prosecutors continue to review a large volume of evidence, which is expected to shape the upcoming legal proceedings. The girl, now 15, is not being named due to her status as a minor and a victim of sexual crimes. The case continues to unfold as the defendants await trial.

Based on original story in Newsday by Grant Parpan

Day in History

While the rents seem very low compared to today, there is more to the story. Some of the least expensive 2 bedroom apartments in Patchogue today are around $2500. That is quite high to be sure but the median income for a household in 1930 was only about $1300 per year. So, that low rent is still about a third of the earnings. It’s all relative with today’s median income about $128,000. Big difference today is that it generally takes two incomes in a household.

Community Highlights

• Record Stop of Patchogue is hosting a special signing event with Hank Azaria on Sunday, March 23rd, from 5-7 PM. Fans will have the opportunity for autographs and photo ops ahead of his Springsteen Celebration concert at the Patchogue Theatre. Attendance requires proof of ticket purchase for the March 28th show or an in-kind donation to the 4 Through 9 Foundation. Patchogue Theatre

• The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center is screening BLACK BAG from March 21-27, 2025. This gripping spy drama follows legendary intelligence agent George Woodhouse as he grapples with the suspicion that his wife, Kathryn, has betrayed the nation. Torn between loyalty to his marriage and his country, George faces the ultimate test. Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center

• The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next Chamber meeting on Wednesday, March 26th, at 5:30 PM at Therm-a-Trol, 120 Division Ave, Blue Point. Enjoy a program on improving your online visibility while networking and enjoying refreshments. Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce

• The Using Our Voices Mental Health Run is coming to Patchogue-Medford High School on April 6, 2025! 🏃‍♀️💙 This student-led event unites multiple school districts to promote mental health awareness and provide vital resources for students across Long Island. Last year, they raised $20,000 and had 700+ students participate for free—all proceeds go to mental health organizations. Be part of this inspiring movement and make a difference! Register or learn more here.

• The Patchogue Theatre presents HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, at 7:00 PM. This one-of-a-kind interactive comedy show features world-renowned hypnotist Asad Mecci, who hypnotizes volunteers before they join Colin Mochrie (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) to improvise the rest of the performance. Hailed as “hilarious and fascinating” by Time Out New York, this show promises an unforgettable night of comedy and spontaneity. Tickets range from $50-$80, including fees. Patchogue Theatre

Community Highlights

The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center: A Homegrown Beacon for Film, Culture, and Community

What began in 2010 as a small monthly film night at the BrickHouse Brewery quickly grew into something much bigger. Driven by overwhelming community interest, a dedicated group of volunteers transformed a grassroots effort into a thriving cultural institution: The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center. Inspired by a $5,000 gift from filmmaker George Stoney and fueled by local support—including checks that arrived unprompted—the center moved into a 1,200-square-foot space on Terry Street. Volunteers personally built out the theater, which soon featured reclining seats, a wine bar, and state-of-the-art digital projection.

Today, The Plaza’s mission is deeply rooted in using film not just as entertainment, but as a powerful tool for multicultural exchange and social responsibility. The center presents everything from independent and foreign films to live-streamed operas and theater productions. It also offers educational programming including workshops, field trips, and filmmaking classes for all ages.

As a nonprofit, The Plaza is funded by a blend of ticket sales, tuition, grants, and community donations, and is proud to be part of the global Art House Convergence. Those interested in supporting The Plaza’s work can contact Executive Director Catherine Oberg at obergc@plazamac.org.

Learn more or get involved by visiting www.plazamac.org.

Local Sports

Farmingdale State secured its fifth-straight win with a late-game surge, defeating Western Connecticut State 13-12. Senior Andrew Giovinco (Syosset, N.Y.) led the way with five goals, including the game-winner in the fourth quarter. Bellport's Tyler Kollar contributed a crucial goal before the final period, while goalkeeper Dan Erler (Smithtown, N.Y.) made a career-high 16 saves to seal the victory. The Rams return home to face Oswego State on Saturday.

Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.) holds steady at No. 18 in the latest national high school girls' lacrosse rankings. With their season yet to begin, the Phantoms will look to build on last year’s success and climb the rankings as play gets underway. St. Anthony's (N.Y.) remains in the top spot, while several teams from the South made big moves this week.

Become a Patchogue Live Local Sponsor

Are you a brand new or established business looking to become known in our Patchogue Live Local community? We are looking for locally-owned business that would like to become a Patchogue Live Local sponsor! Sponsorships can include:

• Brandwide Sponsorship

• Mini-Feature Ad

• Calendar Takeover

• Video Spotlight

• Please visit our site for more information. Thanks.