Tragic Crash, Teen Trafficking Case, and Local Events

Good Morning,

Snow over the weekend and it looks like we could be in for a bit more during multiple days this week. Maybe the groundhogs were right. 😉

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Local Pulse

🚨 An 84-year-old woman of Deer Park, was tragically killed in a crash in East Patchogue. Authorities say she was a passenger in a vehicle that collided with another car at an intersection. Daily Voice

⚖️ A 12th suspect has been charged in connection with the case of a missing Patchogue girl, who was missing for 25 days. Authorities have been steadily making arrests as they investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Greater Long Island

📅 Tax Grievance Day in Bellport Village – The Village of Bellport Board of Assessment Review will meet to hear complaints about property assessments. Residents can attend to voice concerns and seek adjustments. Learn More

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Local Pulse

Nine Defendants Indicted in East Patchogue Teen’s Trafficking Case

A Suffolk County grand jury has indicted nine individuals in a 75-count indictment related to the 25-day disappearance and alleged trafficking of a 14-year-old East Patchogue girl. The charges, which include child sex trafficking, kidnapping, and rape, stem from an investigation that led to the teen’s discovery on a boat last month.

Among those facing the most severe charges is Alton Harrell, 35, of Bellport, who allegedly took the teen from her home on December 9. Harrell now faces an upgraded charge of first-degree kidnapping, which carries a maximum life sentence. Boat owner Francis Buckheit, 64, of East Islip, and Daniel Burke, 63, of Bohemia, are also charged with first-degree kidnapping.

According to court records, the teen was first brought to Buckheit’s boat at White Cap Marina in Islip on December 13, where she was allegedly assaulted and trafficked. Prosecutors say two women, Elizabeth Hunter, 34, of Islip, and Jacquelyn Comiskey, 52, of Bellport, played roles in marketing her for sex.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney stated that the indictment follows a comprehensive investigation and that a superseding indictment, possibly including more individuals, is likely. The accused are scheduled to be arraigned Thursday before Acting Suffolk Supreme Court Justice Karen Wilutis in Riverhead.

Attorneys for the defendants have either denied the allegations or withheld comment as the case moves forward. The investigation remains ongoing.

This article was created based on original reporting by Grant Parpan for Newsday on February 9,2025.

Local Jobs

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Sayville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

• Home Health Aide (HHA) at Trusting Hands Homecare Agency

• Occupational Therapist at Brookhaven Health Care Facility LLC

• Medical Assistant at Northwell Health

• Hospitalist at NYU Langone Hospital Long Island

Please note that job availability and details may change over time.

Community Highlights

• The ListenUp! Music & Arts Festival is happening on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Stereo Garden in Patchogue, NY. This 21+ event will feature live music and art, with tickets available for purchase. Learn more here.

• The Bellport Village Board Work Session is scheduled for Monday, February 10, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. View the Work Session Agenda for details.

• In Your Eyes: The Peter Gabriel Tribute, is set to captivate audiences across the U.S. with a performance that honors 50 years of Peter Gabriel’s music. Featuring his greatest hits, deep cuts, and a full performance of the So album, this tribute delivers a show both faithful and unique. Don't miss their upcoming performance—Get Tickets Here!

• The BBP Heritage Association is hosting its General Membership Meeting at the BBP Library, welcoming all community members to join and stay informed. "History Through Genealogy" with Roy Fedelem, President of the Sayville Historical Society, on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 PM. Learn more here.

•  Willie Lock is performing at Daisy's Nashville Lounge in Patchogue, NY, on March 8, 2025, at 8:00 PM EST. Admission is free!

• The Village of Bellport Board of Assessment Review will hold Tax Grievance Day on February 18, where residents can submit complaints regarding property assessments. The meeting will take place at Village Hall (29 Bellport Lane) from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

• Join the Bellport Chamber of Commerce for its 2025 Installation Dinner on February 12 at the Bellport Country Club from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. This Valentine’s Week celebration is a great opportunity for networking, community engagement, and business connections, with live music by The Sitting Ducks. Tickets are $50 per person, and advance registration is required.

• AR Workshop Patchogue is now registering for a Teen Workshop - Specialty Glass Bottle Painting on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. There are 12 seats available for this creative session at their Patchogue location.

• Medford photographer Andrew Camera has been combining toys with nature to create captivating images. His work features toys interacting with birds and woodland animals, resulting in unique and delightful scenes. Camera describes this creative process as an escape that allows him to appreciate nature and bring joy to others. He has been photographing toys since he was 10 years old and began integrating wildlife into his shots after exploring Long Island's wildlife preserves and state parks in 2020. In his backyard, he has developed a vertical bird platform where he stages his shots and waits for the animals to arrive, creating a harmonious relationship between his art and the local wildlife. You can view his gallery at toyminiatures.com.

Local Sports

Here’s your local sports recap for February 6.

Boys Basketball
Bayport-Blue Point 88 Center Moriches 70
Patchogue-Medford 32 Riverhead 73

Stay tuned for more local sports updates. 🏀🔥

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