Drug Seizures: More than Five Kilograms of Cocaine, 759 Grams of Xylazine, 809 Grams of Fentanyl and Fentanyl-Xylazine Mix, 301 Grams of Heroin-Xylazine Mix, 2313 Fentanyl Tablets, 280 Grams of MDMA, and Over Three Kilos of Crystal Meth Recovered During the Investigations
Additional Seizures: Seven Firearms, 16 Vehicles, Over $170K in Cash, 39 Gold Coins Valued at Approximately $100K, and $287,000 in Now Frozen Bank Accounts
Widespread Operations: Drug Trafficking Networks Spanning from Brooklyn to Montauk
(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today 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 Taskforce (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 the months that led up to the indictments, law enforcement executed search warrants of cellular telephones, residences, vehicles, and other digital sources of data.
These warrants, coupled with thousands of hours of electronic and video surveillance, resulted in the identification and subsequent investigation of multiple alleged drug dealing operations centered around the distribution of cocaine, fentanyl, xylazine, methamphetamines and heroin. These alleged drug dealing operations spanned from Brooklyn to Montauk, with significant activity in Riverhead, Patchogue, Mastic, Shirley, Ronkonkoma, Bohemia, Sound Beach, Holbrook, Brentwood, and East Islip.
The long-term investigations culminated in three indictments containing 329 total counts, which include conspiracy to distribute narcotics, operating as a major trafficker, the sale and possession of narcotics, the possession of multiple illegal firearms, attempted murder of two police officers and an assault upon another police officer.
"The scale of this operation cannot be overstated. These three indictments alleging over 300 total counts attributed to 29 defendants, represent more than just numbers – they represent a substantial blow to the illicit drug trade in our county and a significant step towards safer, healthier communities for all our residents," said District Attorney Tierney. "Our dedicated teams have worked tirelessly to bring down several alleged interconnected drug trafficking networks that have plagued our streets for far too long. This large-scale takedown required tremendous cooperation and coordinated efforts. In addition to the great work of the East End Drug Task Force, I want to thank our law enforcement partners at the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County Sherriff’s Office, the DEA, the Department of Homeland Security, the New York State Police, the Nassau County Police Department, the Riverhead Town Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and the Office of Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York."
“These results-driven investigations stem from a common goal of combatting narcotics trafficking in an attempt to save lives and keep our communities safe,” said Suffolk County Police Acting Commissioner Robert Waring. “It is imperative we continue to combine resources to stop individuals pumping poison into our neighborhoods because as we saw in the case of Brandon Scanlon, his threat extended to our officers and the public.”
“Today's indictments are a testament to the unwavering dedication and collaboration of Suffolk’s law enforcement partners. We are grateful to the officers involved in this effort which put these narcotics traffickers out of business,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “Together, we are continuing to take deadly drugs off our streets and making Suffolk County a safer place.”
“Once again strong law enforcement partnerships have disrupted another illegal narcotics operation,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “The indictments of these 29 individuals will not only keep harmful narcotics off our streets, but they will also put an end to the dangerous cycle of criminal activities that threaten our neighborhoods as a result of these drugs. We will continue to work together with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to keep these harmful narcotics from infiltrating our communities.”
“The arrest and indictments of these individuals are the results of the hard work the DEA has with our federal and local law enforcement partners, including the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, when working together to target those individuals that pose a threat to our communities. The removal and seizure of these illicit narcotics, along with numerous firearms, shows the length these drug traffickers will go to poison our communities,” said DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “Today, our communities are safer with these individuals off our streets, and we will continue to work with our partners in targeting those responsible for violating our laws and trafficking these drugs into our homes.”
"Today's announcement underscores the success of collaborative law enforcement and the direct impact it has on our communities. As stated, these defendants trafficked and distributed dangerous illegal narcotics, including fentanyl and its emerging complement, xylazine, or “Tranq,” as it is more commonly known – both of which are infiltrating Long Island communities and devastating families at an alarming rate,” said HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Darren B. McCormack. “HSI New York's Long Island-based Transnational Crime Task Force is proud to stand alongside the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and the greater law enforcement community in relentlessly confronting this deadly drug crisis.”
“I commend District Attorney Raymond Tierney, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s East End Drug Task Force and all of the partners involved in these long-term investigations,” said Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan. “The arrests and seizures of firearms, half a million dollars in assets, and significant amounts of narcotics from major local drug organizations will contribute to greater safety and security in communities across Suffolk County.”
The Indictments
People v. Salvatore Ottomanelli, et al.
15 Defendants; 142 Counts
According to the investigation, 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, Bayshore.
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 cellphones, 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.
People v. Carlos Reyes-Redrovan, et al.
12 Defendants; 113 counts
According to the investigation, 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.
People v. Alexandr Dyatchin and Michael Khodorkovsky
2 Defendants; 74 counts
According to the investigation, 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 the 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.
Indictment Charges
People v. Carlos Reyes-Redrovan et al.
People v. Alexandr Dyatchin and Michael Khodorkovskiy
The investigations were conducted by Detectives from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s EEDTF and Detectives from the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney Squad, Narcotics Section, and TRACE Unit.
The EEDTF is comprised of District Attorney Investigators, and members of the East Hampton Town Police Department, the New York State Police, the Riverhead Police Department, the Southold Police Department, the Southampton Town Police Department, the New York State Police’s Narcotics Section, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jake Kubetz, Alyssa Costantino, Gabriella DeRosa, William Nash, and Robert Archer of the Narcotics Bureau. The civil asset forfeiture action is being litigated by the Asset Forfeiture and Intelligence Bureau.
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Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments.
Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.
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