Riverhead Town police are searching for a burglar who broke into Jiffy Lube on Route 58 and stole cash from a drawer sometime overnight, according to a press release. 

Police said they received a call shortly after 7 a.m. Sunday from a Jiffy Lube employee saying someone forced entry into the building and stole an unknown amount of cash.

The incident occurred sometime after 7:15 p.m. Saturday, the employee told police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Riverhead police at (631) 727-4500.

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Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Riverhead Town police are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who stole tools from a Wading River hardware store.

The suspect stole two Dewalt Drill Impact guns from Ace Hardware on Route 25A on Nov. 28 at 1:38 a.m. The man was described as white, tall, thin build with a man-bun hairstyle. He’s estimated to be between 20 and 30 years old. He has tattoos on his left hand and left side of his neck, police said.

The man fled the scene in a waiting gray or silver vehicle, possibly a Buick Enclave.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information can call anonymously to 1-800-220-TIPS.

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An investigation into numerous thefts at the Riverhead Home Depot and Lowes resulted in the arrest of a Hampton Bays man, according to Riverhead Town police.

Joshua Bernal, 36, was arrested Wednesday on a felony grand larceny charge in addition to misdemeanor petit larceny, police said. Riverhead detectives and the COPE unit launched an investigation after numerous complaints from Home Depot and Lowes of thefts at the stores on County Road 58, police said.

Police said the investigation revealed Mr. Bernal was responsible for numerous thefts at both stores.

He also had three active warrants out of Riverhead Justice Court, police said, which stem from thefts at the Lowes and Target.

He was remanded to the Suffolk County Correctional Facility on $20,000 bail after his arraignment in Riverhead Justice Court, police said.

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Riverhead Town police made five arrests related to shoplifting at the Tanger Outlet Center in recent weeks. 

A Corona, N.Y., man was charged with stealing from Abercrombie & Fitch in the Tanger Outlet Center Dec. 28, police said. John Pescador, 36, allegedly entered the store with a large gray plastic bag lined with duct tape, in which he placed nine boxes of cologne, valued at $918, around 1:30 p.m., officials said.

He was charged with misdemeanor petit larceny and possession of an anti-security item.

• A Woodside, N.Y., woman was arrested after an alleged theft at Calvin Klein Dec. 27.

Diana Diaz, 43, tried to remove items without paying for them by using a homemade bag device designed to avoid the activation of store security devices, officials said. Ms. Diaz was confronted at the Route 58 store around 5:05 p.m., dropped the bag, left the store and was later found by police.

She was charged with misdemeanor petit larceny and possession of an anti-security item and released on $500 bail.

• Two Riverhead women were arrested for allegedly stealing from Polo Ralph Lauren in the Tanger Outlet Center on Dec. 20.

Shamiqwa Dizon and Dashia Armstrong, both 23, were said to have removed 19 items of clothing from the Route 58 store around 12:25 p.m. without paying for them, officials said. They were both charged with misdemeanor petit larceny.

• A 16-year-old Riverhead girl was arrested for stealing a jacket and three shirts, valued at $170, from Tommy Hilfiger in the Tanger Outlet Center on Route 58 on Dec. 20 around 8 p.m., officials said. She was found at a Quick Stop Market on West Main Street after the incident and was arrested for misdemeanor petit larceny.

• Police arrested Laura Commarato for felony fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and driving with a suspended license around 8:55 p.m. on Cross River Drive in Riverhead on Dec. 29, officials said.

• A Riverhead woman was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Riverhead last Saturday.
Dawn Baker, 43, was stopped around 3:20 a.m. on Peconic Avenue and charged with misdemeanor DWI, officials said.

• Police arrested a Riverhead man for driving while under the influence of alcohol in Riverhead last Saturday.

Epifanio Valey Ajvix, 27, was seen moving unsafely from his lane on West Main Street over the double yellow lines around 12:35 a.m., officials said. He was interviewed and police learned he was intoxicated, officials said.

He was charged with misdemeanor driving while ability impaired by alcohol.

• A Hampton Bays man was arrested for drug possession in Riverhead on Dec. 24.

Diego Lopez, 23, was found to be intoxicated and struggling to use a key to get in to an East Second Street home, which he didn’t live at, around 12:35 a.m., officials said. He was found to have two micro zip-lock bags with cocaine on his person, officials said.

Mr. Lopez was charged with misdemeanor seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

• Police arrested Kevin Hobson for drug possession on East Main Street in Riverhead Sunday.

Mr. Hobson was pulled over after police noticed him failing to come to a complete stop on Hubbard Avenue around 6:40 p.m., officials said. While approaching the car, police reportedly saw Mr. Hobson dropping an unknown item and noticed a strong smell of marijuana coming from the car and saw some in plain sight. During a search of the car more marijuana and an amount of crack cocaine was found, officials said.

Mr. Hobson was charged with misdemeanor seventh-degree criminal possession of marijuana and a violation.

• Turquaisia Downes was arrested for criminal mischief at the Greenview Hotel on West Main Street in Riverhead around 7:55 p.m. last Tuesday, officials said.

• William Duff, 54, was arrested for stealing snacks and cellphone chargers from Target on Route 58 around 4:05 p.m. last Thursday, officials said.

The Riverhead resident was charged with petit larceny, resisting arrest, both misdemeanors, and a violation.

• Police arrested a Calverton woman for driving with a suspended license in Wading River Friday.

Burcu Karter, 25, was involved in a car accident around 10:55 a.m. near Long Pond and Wading River Manor roads when police learned her license had been suspended a total of six times, officials said.
She was charged with misdemeanor second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and a violation and was released on $300 bail.

• A Riverhead man was arrested for driving with a suspended license in Riverhead last Sunday.

Hayden Dixon, 26, was stopped for failing to use a turn signal on West Main Street around 12 p.m. and later found to have a revoked license and active warrant from Southampton Town Justice Court, officials said.

He was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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• A Flanders resident reported being harassed by a classmate on Snapchat on Dec. 29. 

The teen reportedly received multiple snapchats from someone trying to engage the teen in fighting, which the teen refused, officials said. The complainant said the other teen reportedly posted messages to her Snapchat story saying the two were going to fight. The complainant went to the other teen’s house to ask that the messages stop, and the other person recorded the incident and posted it to snapchat, officials said. The teen said the messages made her fear for her family and her own safety and asked that the incident be documented, officials said.

• Police arrested a Riverhead man for drug possession in Riverside Monday.

Pieter Williams, 17, was seen to be involved in “possible drug activity” in his car at the McDonald’s on Flanders Road around 7:05 p.m. when police approached and noticed the smell of marijuana, officials said. A small quantity of marijuana and THC oil were found inside the car, police said.

Mr. Williams was charged with misdemeanor seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and a violation.

• New York State Police arrested a Southold woman for driving while intoxicated in Jamesport Sunday.

Suzanne Jolin, 49, was stopped on Route 25 for multiple vehicle infractions and was taken to the Riverside barracks, where she blew a breath sample of .14 percent BAC, officials said.

She was charged with DWI.

• Southampton police arrested a Hampton Bays man for driving with a suspended license in Riverside Saturday.

After James Lappin, 29, was stopped near Flanders Road and East Street around 1:45 a.m. for having inadequate headlights, police learned he had a suspended license, officials said.

He was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor, and two violations.

• Police responded to the intersection of Brookhaven Avenue and Tyler Street around 2:25 p.m. last Monday to reports of a man lying in the roadway, officials said. When police arrived they found the man in the road with a laceration to his head. The man said a friend of his, “Franco from Ecuador,” was mad at him and had pushed him into the street, where he hit his head on the pavement.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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Riverhead Town police are investigating a burglary that occurred overnight at the Empire gas station on Route 58 near Oliver Street, according to a press release.

Police responded to a commercial alarm at about 1:22 a.m. Thursday and found the front door to the gas station had been smashed in and numerous cigarettes were stolen, police said.

A search of the area yielded no suspects. Riverhead detectives are now investigating and anyone who may have witnessed anything is asked to contact police at 631-727-4500. All calls will remain confidential.

Photo caption: The Empire gas station, pictured in 2016. (Credit: Nicole Smith, file)

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Riverhead Town police are seeking the public’s help to locate a teen who has been reported missing from the Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch.

David White III, 16, was reported missing Dec. 7 when he left the ranch, according to Riverhead Town police. His whereabouts remain unknown, but his disappearance is not considered to be suspicious, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Riverhead detectives at 631-727-4500.

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Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Riverhead Town police are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate multiple people who stole from a Riverhead store in November.

Two men and three women entered the Armani Exchange at Tanger Outlets in Riverhead and stole $3,294 worth of merchandise.

The suspects are being sought on grand larceny charges, police said.

Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

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A transformer fire on Sound Avenue in Jamesport forced the road to be closed shortly before 2:30 p.m. between Manor Lane and Church Lane.

The Jamesport Fire Department was on scene of the fire, which was just west of Manor Lane.

It’s unclear what caused the fire. PSEG Long Island was reporting 176 customers were without power in that area and an estimated restoration time of 5:45 p.m.

Traffic began to open in one lane shortly 4:30 p.m.

Photo caption: Sound Avenue in Jamesport was closed to traffic as crews responded to a transformer fire. (Credit: Tim Gannon)

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Damion Conklin was arrested at police headquarters for third-degree burglary and fourth-degree grand larceny, both felonies, around 11:50 a.m. on Jan. 5, officials said. 

• Elease Jackson was arrested for misdemeanor petit larceny at Walmart on Route 58 in Riverhead around 3:20 p.m. last Saturday, officials said.

• Daniel Hughes, of Riverhead, was arrested for felony first-degree tampering with a consumer product on Hubbard Avenue around 7 p.m. on Jan. 5, officials said.

• Police assisted a stray swan back to the water on West Main Street around 4:40 p.m. last Thursday, officials said.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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A Riverhead woman was arrested on a felony weapons charge last Friday after a verbal dispute with another woman escalated, according to Southampton Town police.

Vanessa Cobb, 54, allegedly held a large butcher knife to the other woman’s cheek, then punched her in the face, police said.

Ms. Cobb was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, as well as second-degree menacing and second-degree harassment, a violation, police said.

• A Riverhead man was arrested on a drug possession charge last Thursday during a traffic stop on Brown Street near Ludlam Avenue in Riverside, according to police.

Timothy McKay, 48, was first found to be driving while his license was suspended four times, police said. During a search of his vehicle, police found a quantity of cocaine, officials said.

Mr. McKay was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, police said.

• Roger Dickman, 42, of Moriches, was charged with driving while intoxicated last Monday after police stopped him for multiple traffic violations on Peconic Avenue in Riverhead, according to state police.

• Shelby Rand, 25, of Calverton, was charged with DWI Sunday on State Route 25 in Riverhead after she was stopped for multiple traffic infractions, according to state police.

• Alicia Davender, 27, of Riverhead was charged with third-degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle last Monday after she was pulled over on Flanders Road for a traffic violation and police found her license was suspended, according to officials.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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Riverhead firefighters saved six chickens from imminent death in Calverton Sunday morning when their chicken coop went up in flames.

The Riverhead Fire Department received a call for a working structure fire on Williams Way South, off of Edwards Avenue, at 5:46 a.m. When Riverhead Town police arrived, they reported the coop was fully engulfed in flames, according to Fire Chief Kevin Brooks.

The 10-by-20 structure was in the back, left-hand corner of a large piece and not near any houses, Chief Brooks said. However, a small shed was right behind it. The first responding fire officers were able to stop the fire from spreading to the shed using water cans they carry in their chiefs’ vehicles, he said.

With fire substation 3 on Twomey Avenue, less than a half-mile away, as a crow flies according to chief, firefighters were not far behind. “When the truck got there, the guys went in there and grabbed the chickens,” he said. “We noticed they were huddled up in the back corner.”

Firefighters saved six of the eight chickens, the chief said. Another one was found running around the yard, and the remaining one was believed to have made it out alive too, he added.

They then turned their attention to the burning chicken coop, which they doused with water and quickly put out the flames, the chief said.

The homeowner told the chief there was a heat plate in the chicken coop to keep the chickens warm in the frigid temperature. It was the only source of heat in the coop, the chief said. He did not believe the fire was suspicious. “It didn’t require any further investigation,” he said.

tkv@timesreview.com

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Two teenagers stole a pickup truck, then crashed during a police pursuit in the early morning hours on Sunday, Riverhead Town police said. 

Police received a call that a 2002 Ford F-150 pickup truck had been stolen from outside a residence in the Booker Drive area at about 2:25 a.m., according to a press release.

An officer on patrol spotted the truck being driven on Northville Turnpike, near Kmart, a short time later. When the officer tried to make a traffic stop, the driver sped away in the truck and a brief pursuit ensued, police said.

The pickup truck crashed into a wooded area, striking a tree, on East Main Street, near Fairway Avenue at about 2:45 a.m. The driver, whom police identified as Eleeam Sanchez, 17, of Flanders, got out of the truck and ran. Police found him in the back yard of 1199 E. Main St. and placed him under arrest.

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old passenger was trapped inside the mangled truck. The Riverhead Fire Department responded with its heavy rescue unit to extricate him from the truck, according to Chief Kevin Brooks. The Riverhead Town Volunteer Ambulance took Gino Florian of Flanders, to Peconic Bay Medical Center, where he was treated for an arm injury, according to police.

No one else, including the driver, was injured, according to police.

Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Florian were both charged with third-degree grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, both felonies. Mr. Sanchez was also charged with unlawfully fleeing a police officer, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident with an injury, all misdemeanors.

Judge Allen Smith arraigned Mr. Florian at Peconic Bay Medical Center, while Mr. Sanchez was arraigned in Riverhead Justice Court Sunday morning.

Photo caption: A stolen Ford F-150 pickup truck crashed during a police pursuit on Sunday just after 2:30 a.m. (Credit: Stringer News) 

tkv@timesreview.com

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In an historic moment Friday, Errol Toulon Jr. was sworn-in as Suffolk County Sheriff in an inauguration ceremony at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood.

The 67th sheriff to serve the county, he is not only the first African-American to serve in the post, but the first African-American elected to a non-judicial county-wide seat in the county’s history.

“We’ve reached a new level, not since 1683, when they had the first sheriff of Suffolk County,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who led Mr. Toulon in the oath of office. “This sheriff is different.”

The focus went beyond skin color. Suffolk County Executive Bellone spoke of his character and how he survived Hodgkin lymphoma, pancreatic cancer and a cardiac tamponade. “I have personally seen him face these difficulties with incredible grace, dignity and fortitude. He has confronted all of these challenges and persevered, which is actually what you want in a leader.”

Both the Governor and the county executive touted him as the most qualified person to ever serve.

He spent “more than 20 years patrolling the toughest streets in any community: our jails,” Mr. Bellone told the audience. He served with distinction as an officer in the New York City Department of Correction, following in the footsteps of his father, Errol Toulon Sr.

“I can’t understand why anyone would want to do that,” joked Mr. Cuomo, who followed his father into politics.

Dan Gasby of East Hampton, a veteran television executive, served as the master of ceremonies at the inauguration Friday. (Credit: New York State Governor’s office)

A Lake Grove resident, Mr. Toulon became a key member of Mr. Bellone’s administration as an assistant deputy county executive for public safety in 2012. Two years later, he left that post to become a deputy commissioner for the New York City Department of Correction, and was replaced in the county by Tim Sini, who was also elected in November as the new county district attorney.

Mr. Toulon entered the race for sheriff late, spending just 53 days on the campaign trail, after several other Democratic candidates fell through. By that time his opponent, Lawrence Zacarese, an assistant chief of the Stony Brook University police, had forced a Republican primary and won the G.O.P. nomination.

The two proved formidable opponents with the election too close to call on election night. Once the 14,000 absentee ballots were counted, Mr. Toulon led Mr. Zacarese by just over 2,000 votes.

“And as for Suffolk County not being ready for a black Sheriff, I guess the people of this great county proved the pundits wrong,” Mr. Toulon told the audience. “Indeed I thought it was very ironic that my opponent congratulated me on the 67th anniversary of the day Rosa Parks decided not to give her seat up on that bus in Montgomery, Alabama,” he said. The crowd erupted in applause.

He acknowledged DuWayne Gregory, the first African-American named presiding officer of the Suffolk County Legislature. “He is a pioneer and a friend and I would like to thank him for helping pave the way for my success,” the sheriff said.

“While we celebrate today, our work is just beginning,” Mr. Toulon said. “We have to ensure we deliver as a society and assist those who need help and keep those who do harm off our streets.”

He pledged to work with members of law enforcement throughout the county to share information and fight rising gang violence and the opioid epidemic.

“For those already incarcerated and serving time in our county jail, we will help them transition back home with the proper resources if they want the help. My goal with our young children is to get to them before they get to me. I will do everything in my power to prevent them from joining a gang or getting addicted to opioids.”

Errol Toulon in his office at the Suffolk County jail in Riverside. (Credit: Krysten Massa)

In the weeks leading up to him taking office, he said he began to lay the groundwork to address crime, recidivism and the opioid crisis. He plans to create a task force “to prevent those with chronic mental illness from cycling in and out of our jails by connecting them to case management services prior to their release.”

In a conversation before he took office, he said he would follow through on a campaign promise to ensure all sheriff’s office employees were up-to-date on training. Due to fiscal constraints, there had been gaps in ongoing training, he said.

“How do you hold someone accountable to do their job if they haven’t been training in four, five, six years?” he said. “We can’t get around not training our staff and I’m not going to let that happen.”

Under his supervision are 900 correction officers, sworn peace officers who are charged with the care, custody and control of the inmates, 270 deputy sheriffs, who are sworn police officers and oversee evictions, orders of protections, warrants and more, as well as 120 civilian employees.

Mr. Toulon said he plans be visible in the community so he can not only hear community concerns, allow the community knows what the sheriff does, but also as a recruitment tool. “I do think that the sheriff’s office is a forgotten piece of law enforcement in the community,” he said.

“Having battled cancer twice, I have always promised myself that I would live my life with no regrets and fully embrace the values and courage in the oath of honor that I took when I began my career almost 36 years ago as a young graduate in the correction academy,” he told the audience at his inauguration celebration. “For me this race is a whirlwind, but this job is one I’ve been preparing for my entire life.”

Photo caption: Gov. Andrew Cuomo presided over Errol D. Toulon Jr.’s oath of office Friday at the Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood. Dr. Toulon’s wife, Christina Toulon, held the Bible. (Credit: New York State Governor’s office)

tkv@timesreview.com

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A Southampton Town police officer helped to save a man’s hand after he severed his fingers in Riverhead on Wednesday morning.

The victim, a 38-year-old subcontractor with PSEG-Long Island was trying to remove a block of ice that was lodged in a large, outdoor shredder when his glove got caught in the spinner, which pulled his hand in, severing several fingers, according to Lt. Susan Ralph.

Officer John Kuey responded at about 8:15 a.m. to assist in the 911 call for the traumatic hand injury.

While members of the Riverhead ambulance treated the man, Officer Kuey was able to retrieve the severed fingers and took them to Peconic Bay Medical Center for reattachment, police said.

The detective division is investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call 631-702-2230.

This article was updated with more information. 

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Two cars collided at the intersection of River Road and Edwards Avenue in Calverton, closing it for about an hour on Friday afternoon. 

According to the fire and police personnel on scene, the 84-year-old driver of a 2003 Toyota sport utility vehicle was heading east on River Road, when it collided with the Chevrolet Impala at about 1:45 p.m.

The Riverhead Fire Department’s heavy-rescue squad extricated the driver from the Chevy, according to Fire Chief Kevin Brooks. Two other people in the Chevy were able to get out on their own.

Police report no serious injuries. Three ambulances responded to the scene.

The Impala sustained most of the damage and was towed from the scene.

No tickets were issued.

Meanwhile, police and fire officials detoured traffic. The road was reopened by 3 p.m.

Photo caption: The Chevrolet Impala sustained most of the damage after a crash with an SUV Friday afternoon. (Credit: Tim Gannon)

tgannon@timesreview.com

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Riverhead Town police arrested a Hampton Bays man for drug possession in Riverhead last Wednesday.

Kyle Stoeckert, 34, was seen driving east on Elton Street around 1:35 a.m. and was stopped for a violation, officials said. He was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, all misdemeanors, and two violations.

• A Riverhead man was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Riverhead last Tuesday.

Andre Baskin, 41, was stopped on Hamilton Avenue around 11:25 a.m. He was then transferred to Peconic Bay Medical Center due to his “altered mental status upon arrest,” officials said.

He was charged with misdemeanor DWI and driving while ability impaired by drugs.

• Jonathan Danna was arrested around 4:25 p.m. Friday on Riverside Drive in Riverhead for fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, both misdemeanors, officials said.

• Lawrence Moore was arrested around 8:10 p.m. Sunday on outstanding charges of misdemeanor fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, officials said.

• Police arrested a Riverhead woman for driving with a suspended license in Riverhead Monday.
Brittney Jefferson, 28, was stopped around Middle Road and Roanoke Avenue around 9:45 a.m., officials said.

She was charged with misdemeanor second-degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and multiple violations. She was arrested, taken to headquarters and released on $100 bail, officials said.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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Clayton Sichling, 24, of Riverhead was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated last Saturday during a traffic stop for multiple vehicle and traffic violations on Hubbard Avenue in Riverhead, according to state police. 

Mr. Sichling was found to be intoxicated at the scene and transported to police headquarters in Riverside, where he provided a breath sample, police said.

• Eddie Bryant, 35, of Center Moriches was arrested and charged with DWI last Sunday, according to state police.
Mr. Bryant was found to be intoxicated after he was pulled over for multiple violations while driving on Riverleigh Avenue in Riverside, police said.

• A Hampton Bays man was arrested on two aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle charges last Thursday after a traffic stop on Pine Street in Riverside, according to Southampton Town police.

Greivin Montero-Ramirez, 29, was pulled over for a driving violation and was found to have a revoked license, police said. His vehicle was impounded, according to police.

Mr. Montero-Ramirez was charged with second- and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, police said.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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Tax season is here and it is a time of year that brings scam calls that attempt to take advantage of vulnerable and anxious taxpayers and trick them out of money or personal information.

Tax filing season begins Jan. 29 and local police chiefs offered some guidance on what to do about those types of calls that residents report. 

For example, a Cutchogue man said he recently received a message in a robotic female voice threatening he would be “taken under custody” and faced legal action if he did not respond with personal information. The man knew it was a scam, but wanted to warn others from falling victim to similar tricks by Internal Revenue Service posers.

“We take reports of phone scams from residents all year long on just about every possible angle to defraud people that you could imagine,” Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley. “But yes, we do get an influx of complaints around tax season because there is a heightened sense of anxiety where the IRS is involved.”

He said the simplest message he can give regarding such calls is to know the the IRS never uses the telephone to call for payments, no matter what actions are threatened by the caller.

While the police department would still like to be notified of these calls and can offer advice or document any new scams, Chief Flatley noted it can be difficult to trace the origin of some calls.

Both Chief Flatley and Riverhead Town Police Chief David Hegermiller said, ultimately, the best thing to do is hang up on any caller that claims to be associated with the IRS and is demanding payments. There’s no consequence for doing so, they said.

“People should never give out their credit card information or personal information over the phone,” Chief Hegermiller said.

The IRS warns consumers of unsolicited “urgent” callback requests that try to scare victims. Some use an altered caller ID to make it look like the IRS or another agency is calling.

According to its website, the IRS will not call people to demand immediate payment or without first sending a bill in the mail. It will also not ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phones or threaten to send the police after someone for not paying.

The calls can be random and received by people who don’t owe taxes. In that case, the IRS advises to hang up immediately and report the call to the Federal Trade Commission or IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting webpage.

kzegers@timesreview.com

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A Calverton man who in December pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder for setting his girlfriend on fire in May was officially sentenced to 10 years in state prison by state Supreme Court Justice Mark Cohen Tuesday morning.

Ryan Osborne, 30, was indicted by a grand jury in May on eight charges, including second-degree assault and second-degree arson. His sentence includes five years supervised probation. Mr. Osborne was issued an order of protection that is not set to expire until 2041.

In the Riverhead courtroom Tuesday morning, assistant district attorney Dana Brown read a statement by the 34-year-old victim, who stood by her side.

The statement recounted the May 17 incident when he poured kerosene on both her and the tent where she was sleeping, then set them aflame. She had been sleeping in a wooded area near Mr. Osborne’s home.

The victim described feeling a cold liquid on her legs and hearing Mr. Osborne say, “This is kerosene, I’m going to light you on fire.”

She recalled the sound of flames engulfing the tent, “a loud whooshing” sound that wakes her up at night, according to her statement. She recounted how she then felt fear and “excruciating pain” and she dove through a wall of fire and saw Mr. Osborne run away. She ran, on “barefoot, burnt, black feet” and pounded on a stranger’s door calling for help, according to the statement.

The victim’s statement also described her recovery— how she needed a walker, then crutches to get around and how she could not go out into the sun or else risk blistering.

“Today, my scars are subsiding,” her statement said. She noted the psychological and emotional consequences of the incident, and asking herself questions such as “What did I do to deserve this?” and “How am I supposed to trust people again?”

“Next time you feel such anger…” she wrote, “don’t get involved.”

Ms. Brown said she was impressed with the victim’s statement and presence in court. She said she hopes Mr. Osborne thinks about what he did each day behind bars.

Defense attorney Rachit Anand said Mr. Osborne is “very remorseful” and sorry for the pain and suffering he caused. He said Mr. Osborne is not an evil person and “malice does not reside in his heart.” He described Mr. Osborne’s “less than ideal childhood” that include physical and sexual abuse, as well as a dependency on alcohol that lead to substance abuse and factors to be considered in the sentencing.

Mr. Osborne indicated he would use his sentence to better himself, Mr. Anand said before his client spoke.

“I’m very sorry about what I’ve done,” Mr. Osborne said. “She didn’t deserve it. Nobody deserves that.”

Before issuing the sentence, Justice Cohen told the victim she was a brave and courageous person and called her “a person of great fortitude to face this person.” He echoed the idea that Mr. Osborne should use the sentence to better himself.

kzegers@timesreview.com

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