Armed Deli Robber On LI Had Gun, Drugs In Home With Child: DA

FLANDERS, NY — A Farmingville man was indicted after the armed robbery of a Flanders deli and being found with a gun and drugs in the house with a child, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

His girlfriend was also indicted after a search of the couple's home, the DA said.

Demario Weston Jr., 22, was indicted on the charge of first-degree robbery in connection with the gunpoint robbery of El Queztal Deli in September, the DA said.

Weston and his girlfriend, Tiana MacDonald, 24, of Farmingville, also face several additional
charges, including criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a
weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child, following the execution of a search warrant at
the couple’s home, Tierney said.

According to the investigation, on September 23, shortly before noon, Weston reportedly
entered the deli while masked and wearing a winter coat, and armed with a handgun equipped with a laser sight.

Upon entering the deli, Weston reportedly threatened the clerk and then stole about $6,000 from the cash register, the DA said.

He then reportedly pistol-whipped the clerk on her head and body, Tierney said.

On January 8, after an extensive investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at
Weston’s Farmingville apartment, the DA said.

Inside the residence, police found Weston along with MacDonald, and MacDonald’s young child, Tierney said.

The search uncovered a loaded handgun with a blue laser light attached that is believed to have been used in the robbery, as well as additional ammunition, fentanyl, cocaine, digital scales, U.S. currency, and clothing reportedly worn during the robbery, the DA said.

On January 23, Weston, the DA said, was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven Pilewski for charges contained in the indictment, including:

- One count of first-degree robbery, a Class B violent felony;

- Two counts of second-degree robbery, Class C violent felonies;

- One count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C violent felony;

- One count of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony;

- Two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, Class D violent
felonies;

- Three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, Class B felonies;

- One count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class C felony;

- One count of criminal possession of a firearm, a Class E felony;

- One count of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor;

- Two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor;

- One count of second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor.

On February 18, 2025, MacDonald was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski for the
following charges contained in the indictment, Tierney said:

- Three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, Class B
felonies;

- One count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class C felony;

- One count of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor;

- Two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor; and

- One count of second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia, a Class A
misdemeanor.

Justice Pilewski ordered Weston held on $1 million cash, $2 million bond, or $10 million
partially secured bond during the pendency of the case, the DA said.

Weston is due back in court on February 26, and faces 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by the Legal Aid Society.

"Despite the serious nature of her alleged offenses, MacDonald was released without bail because
her charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning
prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail," Tierney said.

MacDonald is due back in court on March 11 and faces 9 years in prison if convicted on the top count. She is being represented by Chase Brown, who could not immediately be reached for comment.

"The allegations detail a disturbing pattern of criminal conduct that has threatened the safety of our community," Tierney said. "My office remains committed to protecting our local businesses and ridding our streets of both violent offenders and dangerous drugs."