A Farmingville man was indicted for armed robbery when he allegedly held up a deli in Flanders.
On September 23, 2024, shortly before noon, Demario Weston Jr. allegedly entered El Quetzal Deli on Flanders Road in Flanders while masked, wearing a winter coat, and armed with a handgun equipped with a laser sight. When he entered the deli, Weston allegedly threatened the clerk and then stole approximately $6,000 from the cash register. He then allegedly pistol-whipped the clerk about her head and body.
On January 8, 2025, after an extensive investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at Weston’s Farmingville apartment. Inside the residence, police found Weston along with Tiana MacDonald, and MacDonald’s young child. The search allegedly uncovered a loaded handgun with a blue laser light attached that is believed to have been used in the robbery, as well as additional ammunition, fentanyl, cocaine, digital scales, cash, and clothing allegedly worn during the robbery.
Weston was arraigned on January 23, 2025 on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski for the following charges contained in the indictment:
- one count of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony
- two counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, both Class C violent felonies
- one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony
- one count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony
- two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, both Class D violent felonies
- three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Third Degree, all Class B felonies
- one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony
- one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E felony
- one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor
- two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, both Class A misdemeanors
- one count of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor
On February 18, 2025, MacDonald was arraigned on the indictment before Pilewski for the following charges contained in the indictment:
- three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Third Degree, all Class B felonies
- one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony
- one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor
- two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor
- one count of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor
Pilewski ordered Weston held on $1,000,000 cash, $2,000,000 bond or $10,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Weston is due back in court on February 26, 2025, and faces 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
Despite the serious nature of her alleged offenses, MacDonald was released without bail because her charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail. MacDonald is due back in court on March 11, 2025, and faces nine years in prison if convicted on the top count.
“The allegations detail a disturbing pattern of criminal conduct that has threatened the safety of our community,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “My office remains committed to protecting our local businesses and ridding our streets of both violent offenders and dangerous drugs.”