Suffolk County police arrested a restaurant owner, an employee and patrons, including five on narcotics-related charges, following a compliance check at a Brentwood business early this morning.
Following an investigation by the Third Precinct Investigative Unit, Third Squad and Narcotics Section detectives, in conjunction with the New York State Liquor Authority, Town of Islip Fire Marshal and Building Inspector, a compliance check was conducted at La Costa Catracha Restaurant, located at 739 Suffolk Avenue, and six people were arrested.
The owner of the restaurant, Wilmer Mendez-Barrera, 44, of Brentwood, was issued eight Field Appearance Tickets for violations under the ABC law. Employee Keshawn Matthews, 39, of Shirley, who was wearing an imitation tactical vest and possessed an imitation firearm, was cited for Unlicensed Security Guard under New York State General Business Law.
The following patrons were arrested:
- Andres Cabrera-Sanchez, 25, of Bay Shore, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree.
- Juana Flores, 47, of Central Islip, was charged with three counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree.
- Maykol Escobar-Rivas, 18, of Central Islip, was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree.
- Christian Palacios-Ruiz, 18, of Brentwood, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree.
An investigation into the sale of narcotics at the restaurant led to the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Brentwood. Josua Molina, 27, who lives at the home, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the Second Degree. He was arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on April 4.
Mendez-Barrera and Matthews were issued Field Appearance Tickets and scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.
Cabrera-Sanchez was being held at the Third Precinct and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on April 5.
Flores and Escobar-Rivas were arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on April 4.
Palacios-Ruiz was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.
The Town of Islip Fire Marshal issued multiple summonses to the establishment and deemed it unsafe for occupancy.