Eleven people have been indicted for the distribution of cocaine in Suffolk County following a long-term, multi-agency investigation led by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the New York State Police.
“Drug traffickers who flood Suffolk County with poisonous substances will be found, and they will be held accountable,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “This indictment reflects the tireless work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners to dismantle organizations that prey on our neighborhoods, fuel addiction, and contribute to violence.”
“Narcotics investigations are often lengthy and complex, but their results are invaluable,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina. “This multi-agency investigation yielded significant results and removed nearly a dozen dangerous drug dealers from our communities. I commend and thank all those involved for their dedication to keeping our streets safe.”
Beginning in December 2024, members of the New York State Police commenced an investigation into Jonathan Sands for alleged cocaine trafficking. Between December 2024 and October 2025, an undercover officer allegedly purchased cocaine from Sands on multiple occasions. On two of those occasions, Sands and his alleged partner, Mario Tarquinio, also allegedly sold prescription pills including amphetamine, alprazolam, and buprenorphine to the undercover.
During the investigation, law enforcement identified Likina Edwards and Andrew Trotman as two of Sands’ alleged cocaine suppliers. In October 2025, the undercover allegedly purchased cocaine directly from Trotman.
In January 2026, investigators learned that Ralph Elliott allegedly served as Edwards’ supplier, Desean Elliott allegedly assisted in the narcotics operation, and Celine Crawford allegedly acted as Edwards’ “runner” — an individual who delivers narcotics to buyers and collects payments. Law enforcement later identified Lenroy Stewartson as Ralph Elliott’s alleged drug supplier, and Lyncoln Clarke as his alleged “runner.”
As part of the ongoing investigation into Edwards’ alleged distribution network, the undercover contacted Stanley Strider, who allegedly sold him more than two ounces of cocaine.
During the time period in which the New York State Police and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office were investigating the alleged narcotics trafficking, the Suffolk County Police Department had a separate investigation into Nicholas Greaves for allegedly selling narcotics and firearms to an undercover police officer.
On multiple occasions between March 2025 and May 2025, an undercover officer allegedly purchased cocaine from Greaves, who also allegedly obtained two semiautomatic pistols and then sold them to an undercover officer. Through their investigation, law enforcement learned that Greaves had allegedly obtained the firearms from Stewartson’s residence, which is located next to Mary G. Clarkson Elementary School in Bay Shore.
On November 14, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Trotman’s Mastic Beach residence and allegedly recovered approximately $1,500, over eight ounces of cocaine as well as a loaded and operable nine-millimeter handgun.
On March 15, 2026, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Stewartson’s Bay Shore residence and allegedly recovered two loaded and operable firearms and approximately eight ounces of cocaine. Stewartson was also allegedly found to be in possession of approximately $13,800 at the time of his arrest.
On April 28, 2026, law enforcement executed several search warrants at multiple defendants’ residences. At Ralph Elliott’s Bellport residence, law enforcement allegedly recovered cocaine, crack cocaine, multiple cell phones, assorted jewelry, approximately $20,800 in cash, a loaded and operable Taurus semi-automatic .40 caliber pistol. Law enforcement also recovered suboxone inside of his BMW convertible. Additionally, he was allegedly found to be in possession of approximately $3,600 in cash at the time of his arrest.
At Edwards’ Holbrook residence, law enforcement allegedly recovered approximately $305 in cash, assorted jewelry, and multiple cellphones, including one allegedly used by Edwards to communicate with the undercover officer. At the time of her arrest, she was allegedly found to be in possession of approximately $5,500.
At Desean Elliott’s East Islip residence, law enforcement allegedly recovered crack cocaine, approximately $2,900 in cash, and multiple cellphones.
In total, the investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately $48,700 and eleven automobiles.
“Each day we see the harmful effects that drugs such as cocaine have on individuals, families, and our neighborhoods,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “These defendants had no regard for the dangers they or this operation posed to the community and beyond. I am proud of the dedicated, investigative efforts of our law enforcement partners at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and our State Police members involved in this case.”
Clarke, 24, of Bay Shore, faces Conspiracy in the Second Degree. On June 5, 2026, he was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro, who ordered Clarke held on $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Clarke faces 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison.
Crawford, 30, of Brentwood, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree. On June 5, 2026, he was arraigned on the indictment before Ambro, who ordered Crawford to be placed on supervised release during the pendency of the case. Crawford faces up to 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison.
Edwards, 32, of Holbrook, faces Conspiracy in the Second Degree. On June 5, 2026, he was arraigned on the indictment before Ambro, who ordered Edwards placed on supervised release. Edwards faces up to 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison.
Desean Elliott, 32, of East Islip, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree. On June 5, 2026, he was arraigned on the indictment before Ambro, who ordered Elliott placed on supervised release. Elliott up to 10 years in prison.
Ralph Elliott, 53, of Bellport, faces Conspiracy in the Second Degree. On June 2, 2026, he was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Bryan Browns, who ordered remanded during the pendency of the case. Elliott faces 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
Greaves, 31, of Amityville, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree. On June 1, 2026, he was arraigned on the indictment before Browns, who ordered Greaves remanded during the pendency of the case. Greaves faces up to 25 years in prison.
Sands, 33, of Middle Island, faces Conspiracy in the Second Degree. On June 3, 2026, he was arraigned on the indictment before Browns, who ordered Sands held on $300,000 cash, $600,000 bond, or $900,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Sands faces 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
Stewartson, 45, of Bay Shore, faces Conspiracy in the Second Degree. On June 1, 2026, he was arraigned on the indictment before Browns who ordered Stewartson held on $700,000 cash, $1,400,000 bond, or $2,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Stewartson faces up to 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison.
Strider, 52, of Manorville, faces Conspiracy in the Second Degree. On May 29, 2026, he was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz, who ordered Strider held on $350,000 cash, $750,000 bond, or $1,500,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Strider faces up to 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison.
Tarquinio, 40, of Farmingville, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree. On June 5, 2026, he was arraigned on the indictment before Ambro, who released him on his own recognizance. Tarquinio faces up to 2-1/2 years in prison.
Trotman, 42, of Mastic Beach, faces Conspiracy in the Second Degree. On June 5, 2026, he was arraigned on the indictment before Browns, who ordered Trotman remanded during the pendency of the case. Trotman faces up to 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison.