Police: Ex-Smithtown Official Arrested for Buying Heroin

A former Town of Smithtown building inspector was arrested Tuesday on charges of purchasing heroin, New York State police said.

Newsday reports that New York State police arrested Robert Bonerba, 62, of Nesconset, on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful loitering, both misdemeanors.

New York State police said Bonerba purchased 50 glassine envelopes of heroin, worth a street value of $500, off North Ocean Avenue in Farmingville. The shopping center contains a Kmart, Burger King and a beauty supply store, according to Newsday.

Bonerba previously served as the Town of Smithtown's chief building inspector from 1998 to 2008. He was formerly convicted of taking bribes from developers to expedite a Nesconset construction project and misrepresent the status of an illegal Kings Park apartment.

Click here to read more about Bonerba's arrest and previous convictions on Newsday [subscription required].