Man Arrested After Stalking Suffolk County Legislator, Revving Engine Outside His Home: PD

KINGS PARK, NY — A man was arrested Monday in connection with stalking Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta outside his home last week, Suffolk police said.

Trotta is running for the Town of Smithtown supervisor position, with a primary scheduled for Tuesday. Trotta, a Republican who represents Suffolk County's 13th Legislative District, is running against the incumbent Edward Wehrheim.

Trotta reported to police that between June 16 and June 18, a white 1989 Chevrolet pickup truck parked in the driveway of his Northport home on more than one occasion and revved its engine to intimidate him and his family, police said. The incident was reported to police on June 19, the department stated.

Joshua Smith, 47, of Kings Park, was arrested on IndianHead Road in Kings Park at approximately 5:45 p.m. Monday, police said. He was charged with fourth-degree stalking, police said.

He was released on a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Major Case Unit detectives at 631-852-
6555.

Trotta was sworn in as legislator on Jan. 2, 2014. He has been re-elected every two years and started his sixth and final term in January 2024. Because of term limits, this will be his last year as a county legislator.

The 13th Legislative District is composed of Smithtown, Fort Salonga, Kings Park, San Remo, Nissequogue, Head of the Harbor, and St. James, as well as portions of Commack and East Northport.

Wehrheim has served as town supervisor since 2018. He is looking for his third four-year term.