Copiague Man Convicted 4th Time With Possession Of Illegal Drugs: DA

COPIAGUE, NY — A Copiague man was found guilty of felony drug and weapon possession charges on Tuesday, after police response to two unrelated minor noise complaints in August 2022, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced.

Joe Nunez, 34, of Copiague, was convicted in a jury trial with the charges of two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and one count of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable John B. Collins.

On Aug. 14, 2022, police responded to Campagnoli Avenue in Copaigue in response to unrelated noise complaints, evidence established at trial.

Upon concluding addressing the noise complaints, the officers observed Nunez operating an unregistered dirt bike. When they approached him, Nunez fled on the dirt bike, but struck a parked vehicle, officials said.

Nunez then ran from the scene of the accident while an officer pursued him on foot.

During the chase, the officer observed Nunez throw a black metal object under a vehicle that was parked on the corner of Campagnoli Avenue and Colombo Avenue. The officer continued to chase Nunez and saw him throw a clear plastic bag over a fence and into a residential yard located on Columbo Avenue, prosecutors said.

After apprehending and arresting Nunez, the officers returned to the two locations where Nunez
discarded the items during the chase.

They recovered a loaded illegal firearm under the vehicle, as well as a clear plastic bag containing three separate bags with substances that were later tested and determined to be fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine, respectively, prosecutors said.

“This is yet another case of how drugs and illegal guns are often linked, especially to those who
participate in drug sales. Drug dealers such as this defendant, illegally carry loaded guns to protect
themselves and their lethal street drugs from anyone that they deem to be a threat,” said Tierney. “My office is committed to making the streets of Suffolk County safe by stopping the proliferation of illegal firearms and ensuring those who break the law, such as this defendant, are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Nunez has multiple prior felony convictions dating back to 2007, officials said.

In 2015, Nunez was convicted of second-degree assault after he shot a man on the Southern State Parkway.

In 2009, he was convicted of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

In 2007, Nunez was convicted of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Nunez is due back in court for sentencing on July 6, and is facing up to 15 years in prison.

Patch has reached out to Nunez's attorney, Jonathan Manley, Esq, for comment.