Medford Suspect Charged, Beer Run Bust, Teen Case Update

Good Morning,

More arrests in the teen kidnapping case as the plot expands.

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-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

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Local Pulse

💰 Two suspects, one from Medford, have been charged in connection to a robbery in Yaphank. Authorities allege the pair robbed an employee at a Shell station, with additional details emerging as the investigation unfolds. Daily Voice

🍺 A man allegedly attempted a beer run at a Blue Point supermarket without paying, according to Suffolk County police. Authorities are investigating the incident and seeking information about the suspect. LongIsland.com

Local Pulse

Two More Arrests Made in Alleged Kidnapping and Rape of East Patchogue Teen

Suffolk police have arrested two additional suspects, Daniel Burke and Robert Eccleston, in connection with the kidnapping and alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl from East Patchogue. The arrests bring the total number of suspects in the case to five, as authorities piece together details of the teen's harrowing 25-day ordeal.

Suffolk County authorities announced the arrests of Daniel Burke, 63, of Bohemia, and Robert Eccleston, 61, of Islip, on charges of kidnapping and raping a 14-year-old girl who was missing for 25 days. Both men were arraigned on Saturday, facing serious allegations stemming from the teen’s disappearance in December.

According to investigators, the girl was held at two locations where she was “unlikely to be found” between Dec. 10 and Dec. 13. Burke is accused of keeping the girl at his home on Valley Forge Drive in Bohemia, where he allegedly raped her. Eccleston is charged with holding the teen in a detached garage at his Islip residence, where he is also accused of sexually assaulting her. Burke faces charges including first-degree kidnapping, second-degree rape, and endangering the welfare of a child. Eccleston faces similar charges, with bail set at $500,000 cash or $100,000 bond, which he has yet to post.

The investigation is ongoing, with prior charges already filed against three other individuals, including the boat owner where the girl was found on Jan. 3. Authorities have not identified the victim due to her age and the nature of the crimes. [GLI]

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Community Highlights

• Join the Caregiver Support Group on January 27 in Medford, NY, to connect with others and share experiences, advice, and support in a compassionate environment. Find more details here!

• The Patchogue Theatre is hosting Blackberry Smoke's "Rattle, Ramble and Roll" Tour on February 2, 2025, featuring their signature blend of Southern rock and country sounds. [Patchogue Theatre]

• The Patchogue Run Club is organizing a social run through Patchogue Village on January 30, 2025, open to runners of all levels for a fun and active community experience. [Patchogue Run Club]

• Chair Yoga for Seniors provides a gentle way to boost strength, flexibility, and mental well-being through seated or chair-supported yoga poses. Join the session on Thursday, January 30, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at 4 Bell St, Bellport.

• Learn essential skills at the Wilderness Survival Workshop: Cordage & Rope Making on February 8, 2025. Discover techniques for creating rope and cordage using natural materials. [Patchogue Events]

• Experience a night of vibrant music with El Chaval de la Bachata in Patchogue on February 8, 2025, bringing the best of bachata to the stage. [Patchogue Events]

• Celebrate "Take Your Child to the Library Day" with a Book Character Bash on February 3, 2025. Enjoy fun activities, meet beloved book characters, and inspire a love for reading. [Eventbrite]

• Patchogue Theatre is bringing the heat this winter with an exciting lineup of performances and events to keep the arts alive and thriving in the colder months. Check out their schedule for can't-miss cultural experiences!

Community Highlights

Explore the First Satellite Night of 2025: A Celebration of Art and Community

On Monday, January 27, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, Patchogue will host its inaugural Satellite Night Gallery Crawl, celebrating creativity with four artist receptions across town. Organized by the Patchogue Arts Council, the event showcases a diverse range of exhibitions, each offering a unique perspective on art and the human experience.

At the Long Hall Gallery, Adriana Serban’s Memories & Mementos invites viewers into her vibrant, light-filled emotional landscapes inspired by nature and childhood nostalgia. Serban’s work intertwines vivid colors and organic forms, creating scenes of peace and joy.

The Gallery at Contour Mortgage presents Expedition Earth by Meghan Goparaju, a series inspired by the intricate connections between humanity and the natural world. Goparaju explores themes of synchronicity and awe through deeply personal reflections on the earth’s beauty.

Over at the Gallery at SEPA Mujer, Loretta Oberheim’s Echoes of Nature: Serenity & Strength captures the duality of fragility and resilience within the natural world. Oberheim’s work uses unconventional tools to create pieces that reflect on the strength found in nature’s serenity.

Finally, Endless Beauty Suites features Angeli Zankel’s Organisms, an exhibition transforming medical imaging into abstract works of art. Zankel’s pieces explore human vulnerability and resilience through the lens of X-rays and MRIs, reimagining these clinical tools as captivating compositions.

This free, town-wide celebration is an opportunity to experience art, meet the creators, and connect with the community. Artists are encouraged to submit their work for future exhibitions. Don’t miss this vibrant evening of creativity!

PatchogueArts.org

Community Highlights

Indulge Locally During Long Island Restaurant Week – January 26 to February 2, 2025

Long Island Restaurant Week is back from January 26 through February 2, 2025, offering an excellent opportunity to explore the diverse culinary scene in our area.Participating restaurants are featuring special prix fixe menus, allowing diners to enjoy multi-course meals at attractive prices.

In our local communities of Patchogue, Medford, Blue Point, Bayport, and Bellport, several esteemed establishments are participating:

• Chachama Grill (East Patchogue): Known for its innovative New American cuisine, Chachama Grill offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

• Chops Steakhouse (Patchogue): For steak enthusiasts, Chops provides a premium selection of cuts in an elegant setting, ensuring a memorable meal.

• Lombardi's on the Bay (Patchogue): Offering authentic Italian dishes with stunning waterfront views, Lombardi's combines traditional flavors with a picturesque atmosphere.

• Ristegio's Restaurant & Lounge (Patchogue): This establishment blends modern American cuisine with a stylish lounge ambiance, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

• Shands General (Patchogue): A newcomer to the scene, Shands General offers a unique American dining experience that promises to delight.

• The Oar Steak & Seafood Grille (Patchogue) Known for its waterfront charm, The Oar specializes in steak and seafood dishes, combining classic flavors with contemporary flair.

• Stella Trattoria & Bar (Blue Point): Embracing Italian culinary traditions, Stella Trattoria & Bar serves handcrafted pastas and fresh seafood in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

• The Fish Store (Bayport): Seafood lovers will appreciate The Fish Store's fresh catches and maritime charm, making it a must-visit during Restaurant Week.

• Avino's Italian Table (Bellport): This Italian gem offers a warm, rustic setting with a menu that highlights classic Italian dishes made from the finest ingredients.

• Porters on the Lane (Bellport): Known for its American cuisine and charming location, Porters provides a delightful dining experience in the heart of Bellport.

This weeklong event is an excellent opportunity to support local businesses while indulging in exceptional meals. Reservations are highly recommended, as spots tend to fill up quickly during this popular event. For a complete list of participating restaurants and their menus, please visit the official Long Island Restaurant Week website.

Experience the rich flavors our local restaurants have to offer and make the most of this culinary celebration!

Local Sports

Here’s your local sports recap for 1/23

Boys Basketball
Patchogue-Medford 56 Walt Whitman 76

Wrestling
Bayport-Blue Point 35 Deer Park 38

Girls Basketball
Patchogue-Medford 36 Walt Whitman 70

That’s all for now! Stay tuned for more updates on local sports, and keep supporting our teams!

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