RIVERHEAD MAN CONVICTED FOR POSSESSING COCAINE WITH INTENT TO SELL

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Joseph Douglas, 42, of Riverhead, was found guilty after a jury trial on felony drug charges that stemmed from the execution of a search warrant at his residence in 2021.

“This verdict is a warning to all those who think they can sell dangerous drugs in Suffolk County – you will be caught, and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My Office will continue to hold anyone threatening the safety of Suffolk County residents accountable for their actions.”

The evidence at trial established that on December 5, 2021, members of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s Fentanyl Task Force executed a court-authorized search warrant at Douglas’ residence. During the execution of the search warrant, officers recovered in excess of one-half ounce of cocaine, three digital scales, and cash.

On June 6, 2023, Douglas was found guilty after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro, of two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony, and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Douglas is due back in court for sentencing on July 10, 2023, and faces up to 15 years in prison. Douglas is being represented by Anthony Rutkowski, Esq.

Douglas has prior convictions in 1998 for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and Attempted Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, in 2003 for Attempted Promoting Prison Contraband in the First Degree, and in 2015 for Attempted Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Danielle Davis and Jennifer Wickers of the Narcotics Bureau, with investigative assistance by Riverhead Town Police Detective Daniel Hogan, assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Fentanyl Task Force. 

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Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.

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