29 Indicted In 'Massive Drug Takedown' From Brooklyn To Montauk: DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A total of 29 individuals were indicted Friday on 329 counts in relation to a massic drug takedown spanning Brooklyn to Montauk, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

During the investigation, drugs recovered included 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 more than three kilos of crystal meth, the DA said.

Also seized were seven firearms, 16 vehicles, more than $170,000 in cash, 39 gold coins valued at about $100,000, and $287,000 in now-frozen bank accounts, the DA said.

The arrests and indictments followed three separate long-term joint investigations into narcotics trafficking that spanned from Brooklyn to Montauk, the DA said.

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, Tierney said.

The warrants, coupled with thousands of hours of electronic and video surveillance, resulted in the identification and subsequent investigation of multiple reported drug dealing operations centered around the distribution of cocaine, fentanyl, xylazine, methamphetamines and heroin, the DA said.

These 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, Tierney said.

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, Tierney said.

According to the investigation, in September 2023, members of the East End Drug Task Force learned that Salvatore Ottomanelli, 41, of East Islip, was reportedly selling cocaine and methamphetamine, the DA said. After an investigation, law enforcement identified Nasha Tomlinson, 47, of Brentwood, as Ottomanelli's reported narcotics supplier, the DA said.

In addition, Tomlinson also reportedly supplied cocaine and methamphetamines to Brandon Scanlon, 33, of Bohemia, Christopher Hudler, 37, of Bohemia, Jaime Mullane, 29, of Sound Beach, and Damion Dijennaro, 55, of Bohemia, all of whom reportedly resold the drugs to others, Tierney said.

Law enforcement also identified Andrew Cross, 45, of Islip Terrace, and his live-in companion, Joann Benison, 35, of Lindenhurst, as Ottomanelli's alleged suppliers of cocaine and fentanyl, the DA said.

Throughout their investigation, investigators identified Famous Wilson, 26, of Central Islip, Paul Bernard, 30, of Bay Shore, and Gary Morrow, 41, of Central Islip, as Cross' reported narcotics suppliers, the DA said.

On April 4, 2024 law enforcement executed a search warrant at an apartment in Bohemia which
was reportedly used by Tomlinson, Scanlon, Hudler, Mullane, and Dijennaro as
a "stash house" to sell cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine, the DA said.

Scanlon fled the location in his vehicle and struck a Suffolk County police officer in order to evade capture; he then fired multiple shots at law enforcement when they attempted to stop him, Tierney said.

Scanlon led law enforcement on an extended vehicle pursuit, firing multiple shots at law enforcement when they attempted to stop him and eventually crashing his minivan on the Sunrise Highway service road in Bay Shore, the DA said.

During a search of the vehicle that Scanlon fled in, law enforcement recovered a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol, cocaine, and fentanyl, the DA said. At the execution of another search warrant at a reported 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, Tierney said.

Tomlinson reportedly continued to sell narcotics at additional stash houses, despite the execution of the search warrant, the DA said.

On May 15, 2024 , during the execution of a search warrant at Ottomanelli's residence in East Islip, law enforcement seized eight individually wrapped bags of methamphetamine weighing more than 226 grams, multiple cellphones, drug paraphernalia including scales, and five magazines, the DA said.

On May 16, 2024, after the execution of a search warrant at the stash house in Amityville, Timothy Flythe, 42, of Amityville, and John Hickson, 47, of Amityville, were 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, the DA said. Additionally, three industrial-sized kilogram presses were also recovered at the location, Tierney said.

That same day, May 16, Tomlinson was arrested at his home in Brentwood, the DA said. During a search of his residence, Tomlinson was 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, the DA said.

Xylazine, also known as "tranq," is a powerful tranquilizer used by veterinarians to relax or sedate large animals such as cattle or horses, Tierney said. In humans, it is known to depress breathing and slow a person’s heart rate, lower their blood pressure, and cause unconsciousness and death, the DA said.

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, Tierney said. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures place users at a higher risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning, the DA said. Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse its effects, he added. Still, experts always recommend administering naloxone if someone might be suffering a drug overdose, Tierney said.

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, the DA said. Although a number of states have classified xylazine as a controlled substance, New York State does not yet classify xylazine as a controlled substance.

According to the investigation, in August, 2023, Carlos Reyes-Redrovan, 31, of Philadelphia, formerly of Riverhead, also known as "Ghost," approached off-duty undercover officers at a bar in Center Moriches, the DA said. Reyes-Redrovan offered the officers a sample of cocaine that he was selling, and provided them with his cell phone number, the DA said.

Following an investigation and undercover purchases, law enforcement established that Reyes-Redrovan reportedly had multiple narcotics suppliers who supplied him with cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, the DA said.

His reported cocaine suppliers were Akim Slater, 45, of Ronkonkoma, Christopher Mejia-Acosta, 29, of Queens, and Xavier Calderon, 30, of Brooklyn, the DA said.

Reyes-Redrovan's reported heroin suppliers were Jason Velez-Lopez, 32, of Queens, and Juan Chivata-Velez, 29, of Queens, the DA said. His reported fentanyl suppliers were Frank Muhammed, 36, of Mastic, Wayne Bristel, 39, of Bellport, and David Brown, 42, of Shirley, the DA said.

On June 18, 2024, law enforcement executed search warrants at four locations including the residences of Brown and Bristel, Tierney said. Police recovered about $41,000 cash, a 20-gauge Remington pump-action shotgun, digital scales, six cell phones, and substances that were identified as narcotic dilutants, the DA said.

On June 20, 2024, Reyes-Redrovan reportedly arranged for the sale of about 300 grams of heroin for $10,000 with an undercover officer, Tierney said. When the undercover officer arrived at the pre-determined meet location, Reyes-Redrovan entered the undercover officer's vehicle and sold the officer the heroin, the DA said. Prior to the sale, Reyes-Redrovan arrived to the location in a vehicle with Velez-Lopez and Chivata-Velez, the DA said. At the time of their arrest, the three were reportedly found in possession of cocaine and ketamine, both packaged in a manner consistent with an intent to sell, Tierney said.

On July 2, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Slater's residence in
Ronkonkoma, where they recovered a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, cocaine, and five digital scales, the DA said.

During the course of the entire investigation, the defendants made a total of 25 narcotics
sales to undercover officers, the DA said. From those sales, law enforcement recovered about 1,075 grams of cocaine, about 613 grams of heroin, and about 500 grams of fentanyl, the DA said.

According to the investigation, between July 2023 and August 2024, Alexandr Dyatchin, 38, of East Hampton, and Michael Khodorkovskiy, 44, of Brooklyn, reportedly trafficked cocaine and MDMA from Brooklyn to East Hampton and Montauk, for the purpose of selling it, Tierney said. During the investigation, undercover officers contacted the defendants to arrange for the purchase of cocaine, the DA said. The defendants sold significant quantities of cocaine to the undercover officers on multiple occasions, including four instances in which two ounces of cocaine were sold, the DA said. During narcotics sales which reportedly occurred near Khodorkovskiy's apartment in Brooklyn, undercover officers learned that the drugs were going to be transported to Suffolk County for sale, Tierney said.

On August 2, 2024, law enforcement arrested both defendants, the DA said. At the time of his arrest, Khodorkovskiy was reportedly found in possession of a kilo and a half of cocaine, Tierney said. His Mercedes also also contained multiple hidden compartments, known as "traps" which were filled with additional cocaine and pills, Tierney said. Dyatchin's Mercedes also contained a trap with more than 50 glassine envelopes of cocaine, indicative of an intent to sell, the DA said.

At the time of his arrest, Khodorkovskiy possessed 203 grams of cocaine destined for Suffolk County, Tierney said. Additionally, law enforcement 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, Tierney said.

Law enforcement recovered more than 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 DA said. The cocaine that was recovered from his home was divided up into more than 1,000 individual packages, indicative of an intent to sell, the DA said.

According to DA Tierney, the indictment charges are as follows:
.
1. Salvatore Ottomanelli, 41, of East Islip, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale of a
controlled substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said.

On August 13, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered Ottomanelli held on $1 million cash, $3 million bond, or $5 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. He is due back in court on October 10 and faces up to eight to 20 years in prison if convicted on the top count, the DA said.

He is being represented by Peter Giattino.

2. Brandon Scanlon, 33, of Bohemia, faces a top count of first-degree attempted murder, a Class A-I violent felony, the DA said. On August 14, 2024, he was arraigned on the
indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro, who ordered Scanlon remanded during the pendency of the case. Scanlon is due back in court on October 3, and faces 40 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count.

He is being represented by Ian Fitzgerald.

3. Nasha Tomlinson, 47, of Brentwood, faces a top count of first-degree criminal possession of a
controlled substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On May 30, 2024, he was
arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered Tomlinson held on
$10 million cash, $20 million bond, or $50 million partially secured bond. On August
26, Tomlinson was arraigned on a superseding indictment, and Justice Ambro continued the prior bail conditions during the pendency of his case. Tomlinson is due back in court on October 4, and faces up to 15 to 30 years in prison if convicted on the top count.

He is being represented John Russo.

4. Christopher Hudler, 37, of Bohemia, faces a top count of second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class A-II felony, the DA said. On April 19, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered Hudler held on $500,000 cash, $2 million bond, or $5 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case, the DA said. Hudler is due back in court on September 5 to be arraigned on a superseding indictment, and faces up to six to 14 years in prison if convicted on the top count.

He is being represented by Keith O’Halloran.

5. John Hickson, 47, of Amityville, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a felony, the DA said. On June 26, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered Hickson be placed on supervised release with GPS conditions. On August 26, Hickson was arraigned on a superseding indictment, and Justice Ambro continued the prior bail conditions during the pendency of his case. Hickson is due back in court on October 4 and faces up to 12.5 to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Kevin Maccarone.

6. Timothy Flythe, 42, of Amityville, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a felony, the DA said. On August 26, 2024, Flythe was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered that he be held on $750,000 cash, $1 million bond, or $5 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Flythe is due back in court on October 4, 2024, and faces up to 12.5 to 25 years in prison years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Michael Elbert.

7. Jaime Mullane, 29, of Sound Beach, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a felony, the DA said. On August 16, 2024, Mullane was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered that she be held on $10,000 cash, $20,000 bond, or $100,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Mullane 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.

She is being represented by Calvin Saunders.

8. Damion Dijennaro, 55, of Bohemia, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a felony, the DA said. Dijennaro is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on September 10, 2024, and faces up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Toni Marie Angeli.

9. Moshe Atzmon, 48, of Copiague, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a felony, the DA said. On August 19, 2024, Atzmon was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered Atzmon be released on his own recognizance during the pendency of the case. Atzmon is due back in court on October 9, 2024, and faces up to eight and one-third to 25 years in prison years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Christopher Gioe.

10. Andrew Cross, 45, of Islip Terrace, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said.

On June 27, 2024, Cross was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered that he be held on $75,000 cash, $2 million bond, or $5 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. On August 22, 2024, Cross was arraigned on a superceding indictment, and Justice Ambro continued the prior bail conditions during the pendency of his case. Cross is due back in court on October 2, 2024, and faces up to 12 ½ to 25 years in prison years in prison if
convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Oscar Crisafio.

11. Gary Morrow, 41, of Central Islip, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On May 8, 2024, Morrow was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered that he be held on $350,000 cash, $800,000 bond, or $1 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. On August 19, 2024, Morrow was arraigned on a superceding indictment, and Justice Ambro continued the prior bail conditions during the pendency of his case. Morrow 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.

He is being represented by Sean Dixon.

12. Paul Bernard, 30, of Bay Shore, faces a top count first-degree criminal sale of a controlled
substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On August 15, 2024, Bernard was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered Bernard be held on $750,000 cash, $2 million bond, or $5 milllion partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Bernard 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.

He is being represented by Scott Zerner.

13. Famous Wilson, 26, of Central Islip, faces a top count of first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On June 26, 2024, Wilson was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered he be held on $500,000 cash, $1.5 million bond, or $3 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Wilson is due back in court on September 3, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Chauncey Henry.

14. Joann Benison, 35, of Lindenhurst, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a felony, the DA said. Benison 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.

She is being represented by Christopher Cassar.

15. Adam Shebeski, 38, of Sound Beach, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a felony, the DA said. Shebeski is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on September 5, 2024, and faces 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Richard Kaufman.

1. Carlos Reyes-Redrovan, 31, of Philadelphia, formerly of Riverhead, faces a top count of operating as a major drug trafficker, a Class A-I felony, DA Ray Tierney said. On July 30, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski, who ordered that he be held on $1.5 million cash or $3 million bond during the pendency of the case. Reyes-Redrovan is due back in court on September 12, 2024, and faces up to life in prison if convicted of the top count, the DA said.

He is being represented by Ian Fitzgerald.

2. Vanessa Valadez, 38, of Flanders, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On July 29, 2024, Valadez was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered that she be held on $1.5 million cash, $3 million bond, or $10 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Valadez is due back in court on September 6, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

She is being represented by Toni Marie Angeli.

3. Akim Slater, 45, of Ronkonkoma, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled
substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On July 31, 2024, Slater was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered that he be held on $2 million cash, $3 million bond, or $20 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Slater is due back in court on September 18, 2024, and faces 30 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Robert Macedonio.

4. Roque Camey-Estrada, 35, of Riverhead, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a felony, the DA said. On August 7, 2024, Camery-Estrada was arraigned on the indictment before County Court Judge Philip Goglas, who ordered that Estrada be placed on supervised release with narcotics conditions during the pendency of the case. Estrada is due back in court on September 9, 2024, and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Christopher Gioe.

5. Xavier Calderon, 30, of Brooklyn, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled
substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On July 29, 2024, Calderon was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered that he be placed held on supervised release with narcotics and search conditions during the pendency of the case. Calderon is due back in court on August 22, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Lance Lazzaro.

6. Christopher Mejia-Acosta, 29, of Queens, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale of
a controlled substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On July 30, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered that he be placed held on supervised release with narcotics and search conditions during the pendency of the case. Mejia-Acosta is due back in court on September 5, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Lance Lazzaro.

7. Jason Velez-Lopez, 32, of Queens, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled
substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On July 30, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered that he be placed held on supervised release with narcotics and search conditions during the pendency of the case. Velez-Lopez is due back in court on September 6, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Alexander Sklavos.

8. Maegan Thomas, 40, of Ronkonkoma, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On August 7, 2024, she was arraigned on the indictment before Judge Goglas, who ordered her be held on $50,000 cash, $150,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Thomas is due back in court on September 17, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

She is being represented by Michael Brown.

9. Juan Chivata-Velez, 29, of Queens, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On July 31, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered that he be placed held on supervised release with narcotics and search conditions during the pendency of the case. Chivata-Velez is due back in court on
September 18, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by John Fink.

10. Frank Muhammad, 36, of Mastic, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled
substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On July 30, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered him held on $3 million cash, $6 million bond or $30 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Muhammad is due back in court on August 22, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Carl Irace.

11. Wayne Bristel, 39, of Bellport, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On July 30, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski, who ordered him held on $1 million cash, $2 million bond, or $10 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Bristel is due back in court on September 12, 2024, and faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by John Halverson, Esq.

12. David Brown, 42, of Shirley, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled
substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On August 5, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Judge Goglas, who ordered him held on $500,000 cash, $2.5 million bond, or $5 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Brown is due back in court on September 6, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Danielle Papa.

1. Michael Khodorkovskiy, 44, of Brooklyn, also known as Michael Khodorkovsky, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On August 16, 2024, Khodorkovskiy was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered him held on $2 million cash, $5 million bond, or $20 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Khodorkovskiy is due back in court on September 10, 2024, and faces up 24 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

He is being represented by Tony Mirvis.

2. Alexandr Dyatchin, 38, of East Hampton, faces a top count of first-degree criminal sale
of a controlled substance, a Class A-I felony, the DA said. On August 16, 2024, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Ambro, who ordered him held on $2 million cash, $5 million bond, or $20 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Dyatchin is due back in court on September 23, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Kenneth Russo.

"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 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."

"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.