By Hank Russell
Joined by members of various law enforcement agencies, Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney held a press conference at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood to announce a number of indictments being handed down for drug and gun charges. Many of those who were indicted were connected to notorious street gangs.
Two alleged members of the Bloods gang — Caciem Kruer, 26, of Farmingville, and Abdul Muhammad, 23, of Bay Shore — were charged in a 39-count indictment following a long-term investigation by the Suffolk County DA’s Office and the SCPD, into an alleged gun-trafficking operation run by alleged gang members in Suffolk County.
From February 2024 through March 2024, Kruer and Muhammad, who are alleged members of the “Hit Squad Brims,” a subset of the Bloods, allegedly acted together to sell weapons to an undercover detective. Over the course of several dates, Kruer and Muhammad allegedly sold the undercover four loaded pistols, one revolver, two assault rifles, several high-capacity magazines, and ammunition. Three of the eight firearms allegedly sold to the undercover by the defendants were purchased in the southern region of the United States and were transported to Suffolk County. The remainder of the guns sold allegedly had their serial numbers defaced, preventing their origin from being traced.
In addition to the use of an undercover detective, several other investigative techniques were used including the execution of search warrants, audio and video recordings, and physical surveillance.
On August 21, 2024, Kruer was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski, for the following charges:
- two counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies
- seven counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies
- fourteen counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Third Degree, Class D violent felonies
- eleven counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D violent felonies
- three counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D felonies
- one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E felony
- one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor
Pilewski ordered Kruer held on $1,000,000 cash, $2,000,000 bond, or $10,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Kruer is due back in court on September 23, 2024, and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
Muhammad was arraigned on the indictment before Pilewski on the same day for thefollowing charges:
- two counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies
- seven counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies
- thirteen counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Third Degree, Class D violent felonies
- eleven counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D violent felonies
- three counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D felonies
- one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor
Pilewski ordered Muhammad held on $1,000,000 cash, $2,000,000 bond, or $10,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Muhammad is due back in court on September 30, 2024, and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
Tierney also announced three indictments charging 29 defendants on a total of 329 counts following three separate long-term joint investigations into narcotics trafficking that spanned from Brooklyn into Suffolk County. The investigations were conducted jointly by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s East End Drug Task Force (EEDTF), the Suffolk County Police Department, the New York State Police, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Department of Homeland Security (HSI), and the Office of Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York.
In September 2023, members of the EEDTF learned that Salvatore Ottomanelli was allegedly selling cocaine and methamphetamine. After an investigation, law enforcement identified Nasha Tomlinson as Ottomanelli’s alleged narcotics supplier. In addition, Tomlinson also allegedly supplied cocaine and methamphetamines to Brandon Scanlon, Christopher Hudler, Jaime Mullane, and Damion Dijennaro, all of whom allegedly resold the drugs to others.
Law enforcement also identified Andrew Cross, and his live-in companion, Joann Benison, as Ottomanelli’s alleged suppliers of cocaine and fentanyl. Throughout their investigation, investigators identified Famous Wilson, Paul Bernard, and Gary Morrow, as Cross’ alleged narcotics suppliers.
On April 4, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at an apartment in Bohemia which was allegedly used by Tomlinson, Scanlon, Hudler, Mullane, and Dijennaro as a stash house to sell cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine. Scanlon allegedly fled the location in his vehicle and struck a Suffolk County Police officer in order to evade capture. Scanlon then allegedly fired multiple shots at law enforcement when they attempted to stop him. Scanlon led law enforcement on an extended vehicle pursuit. He fired multiple shots at law enforcement when they attempted to stop him and eventually crashed his minivan on the Sunrise Highway service road in Bay Shore.
During a search of the vehicle that Scanlon allegedly fled in, law enforcement recovered a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol, cocaine, and fentanyl. At the execution of another search warrant at an alleged stash house in Sound Beach, law enforcement recovered an additional 100 grams of fentanyl, 42 grams of cocaine, 112 grams of crystal methamphetamine and an AK-47.
Tomlinson allegedly continued to sell narcotics at additional alleged stash houses, despite the execution of the search warrant.
On May 15, 2024, during the execution of a search warrant at Ottomanelli’s residence in East Islip, law enforcement allegedly seized eight individually wrapped bags of methamphetamine weighing over 226 grams, multiple cell phones, drug paraphernalia including scales, and five magazines.
On May 16, 2024, after the execution of a search warrant at the alleged stash house in Amityville, Timothy Flythe and John Hickson, were allegedly found in possession of a .45 caliber Glock semi-automatic pistol with a 13-round magazine, and a .40 caliber Glock pistol with a high-capacity, 22-round magazine. Additionally, three industrial-sized kilogram presses were also recovered at this location.
That same day, May 16, 2024, Tomlinson was arrested at his residence in Brentwood. During a search of his residence, Tomlinson was allegedly found in possession of 759 grams of xylazine, 688 grams of cocaine, 67 grams of crack cocaine, 149 grams of fentanyl, 27 grams of crystal meth, cash, and drug paraphernalia.
Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful tranquilizer used by veterinarians to relax or sedate large animals such as cattle or horses. In humans, it is known to depress breathing and slow a person’s heart rate, lower their blood pressure, and cause unconsciousness and death. Xylazine has recently been found in the Long Island and New York City drug supply. It is commonly mixed with fentanyl and other drugs to prolong or enhance their effects. According to the DEA, xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures place users at a higher risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning.
Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse its effects. Still, experts always recommend administering naloxone if someone might be suffering a drug overdose. People who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine also can develop severe wounds, including necrosis – the rotting of human tissue – that may lead to serious complications including amputation. Although a number of states have classified xylazine as a controlled substance, New York State does not yet classify xylazine as a controlled substance.
In August 2023, Carlos Reyes-Redrovan, also known as “Ghost,” approached off-duty undercover officers at a bar in Center Moriches. Reyes-Redrovan allegedly offered the officers a sample of cocaine that he was selling, and provided them with his cell phone number.
Following an investigation and undercover purchases, law enforcement established that Reyes-Redrovan allegedly had multiple narcotics suppliers who supplied him with cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.
Reyes-Redrovan’s alleged cocaine suppliers were Akim Slater, Christopher Mejia-Acosta, and Xavier Calderon. Reyes-Redrovan’s alleged heroin suppliers were Jason Velez-Lopez and Juan Chivata-Velez. Reyes-Redrovan’s alleged fentanyl suppliers were Frank Muhammed, Wayne Bristel, and David Brown.
On June 18, 2024, law enforcement executed search warrants at four locations including the residences of Brown and Bristel. Police allegedly recovered approximately $41,000 cash, a 20-gauge Remington pump-action shotgun, digital scales, six cell phones, and substances that were identified as narcotic dilutants.
On June 20, 2024, Reyes-Redrovan allegedly arranged for the sale of approximately 300 grams of heroin for $10,000 with an undercover officer. When the undercover officer arrived at the pre-determined meet location, Reyes-Redrovan entered the undercover’s vehicle and allegedly sold the officer the heroin. Prior to the alleged sale, Reyes-Redrovan arrived to the location in a vehicle with Velez-Lopez and Chivata-Velez. At the time of their arrest, Reyes-Redrovan, Velez-Lopez, and Chivata-Velez were allegedly found in possession of cocaine and ketamine, both packaged in a manner consistent with an intent to sell.
On July 2, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Slater’s residence in Ronkonkoma, where they allegedly recovered a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, cocaine, and five digital scales.
During the course of the entire investigation, the defendants allegedly made a total of 25 narcotics sales to undercover officers. From those sales, law enforcement recovered approximately 1,075 grams of cocaine, approximately 613 grams of heroin, and approximately 500 grams of fentanyl.
Between July 2023 and August 2024, Alexandr Dyatchin and Michael Khodorkovskiy allegedly trafficked cocaine and MDMA from Brooklyn to East Hampton and Montauk, for the purpose of selling it. During the investigation, undercover officers contacted the defendants to arrange for the purchase of cocaine. The defendants allegedly sold significant quantities of cocaine to the undercover officers on multiple occasions, including four instances in which two ounces of cocaine was sold. During narcotics sales which allegedly occurred near Khodorkovskiy’s apartment in Brooklyn, undercover officers learned that the drugs were going to be transported to Suffolk County for sale.
On August 2, 2024, law enforcement arrested both defendants. At the time of his arrest, Khodorkovskiy was allegedly found in possession of a kilo and a half of cocaine.
Khodorkovskiy’s Mercedes also allegedly contained multiple hidden compartments, also known as “traps,” which were filled with additional cocaine and pills. Dyatchin’s Mercedes also allegedly contained a trap with over 50 glassine envelopes of cocaine, indicative of an intent to sell.
At the time of his arrest, Khodorkovskiy allegedly possessed 203 grams of cocaine destined for Suffolk County. Additionally, law enforcement allegedly recovered $38,550 dollars in cash and 39 gold coins with an estimated value of $100,000 from Khodorkovskiy’s Brooklyn apartment during the execution of a search warrant. Law enforcement allegedly recovered over 589 grams of cocaine, 269 grams of MDMA, and $19,046 dollars in cash from Dyatchin’s East Hampton home during the execution of a search warrant. The cocaine that was recovered from Dyatchin’s home was allegedly divided up into over 1,000 individual packages, indicative of an intent to sell.
Indictments Handed Down
The indictments are as follows:
- Ottomanelli, 41, of East Islip, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on October 10, 2024, and faces up to eight to 20 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
- Scanlon, 33, of Bohemia, faces a top count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, a Class A-I violent felony. He is due back in court on October 3, 2024, and faces 40 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count.
- Tomlinson, 47, of Brentwood, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. She is due back in court on October 4, 2024, and faces up to 15 to 30 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
- Hudler, 37, of Bohemia, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class A-II felony. He is due back in court on September 5, 2024, to be arraigned on a superseding indictment, and faces up to six to 14 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
- Hickson, 47, of Amityville, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. He is due back in court on October 4, 2024, and faces up to 12 ½ to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Flythe, 42, of Amityville, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. He is due back in court on October 4, 2024, and faces up to 12½ to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Mullane, 29, of Sound Beach, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. He is due back in court on September 5, 2024, and faces up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Dijennaro, 55, of Bohemia, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. He is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on September 10, 2024, and faces up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Atzmon, 48, of Copiague, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. He is due back in court on October 9, 2024, and faces up to eight and one-third to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Cross, 45, of Islip Terrace, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on October 2, 2024, and faces up to 12½ to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Morrow, 41, of Central Islip, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on October 2, 2024, and faces up to 15 to 30 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Bernard, 30, of Bay Shore, faces a top count Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on October 3, 2024, and faces up to eight to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Wilson, 26, of Central Islip, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on September 3, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Benison, 35, of Lindenhurst, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. She is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on August 29, 2024, and faces up to 12 ½ to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Shebeski, 38, of Sound Beach, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. He is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment September 5, 2024, and faces 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Reyes-Redrovan, 31, of Philadelphia, formerly of Riverhead, faces a top count of Operating as a Major Drug Trafficker, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on September 12, 2024, and faces up to life in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Valadez, 38, of Flanders, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. She is due back in court on September 6, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Slater, 45, of Ronkonkoma, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on September 18, 2024, and faces 30 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Camey-Estrada, 35, of Riverhead, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. He is due back in court on September 9, 2024, and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Calderon, 30, of Brooklyn, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on August 22, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Mejia-Acosta, 29, of Queens, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on September 5, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Velez-Lopez, 32, of Queens, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on September 6, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Thomas, 40, of Ronkonkoma, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. She is due back in court on September 17, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Chivata-Velez, 29, of Queens, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on September 18, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Muhammad, 36, of Mastic, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on August 22, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Bristel, 39, of Bellport, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on September 12, 2024, and faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Brown, 42, of Shirley, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on September 6, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Khodorkovskiy, 44, of Brooklyn, also known as Michael Khodorkovsky, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on September 10, 2024, and faces up 24 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
- Dyatchin, 38, of East Hampton, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony. He is due back in court on September 23, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.