Raw Heroin, Loaded Gun Found in Nassau Home, 5 Arrested: Police

MERRICK, NY – Five Merrick residents were arrested on Tuesday and charged with operating a drug dealing operation out of their home.

According to Narcotic/Vice Squad detectives, Nassau County Police received numerous complaints involving drug activity being conducted at 1402 Merrick Ave., a residence that is located in close proximity to a child day care center. Detectives conducted an extensive investigation which concluded with the execution of a legal search warrant on Tuesday at 7:35 p.m., resulting in the recovery of 41 grams of raw heroin (which is equivalent to 2,000 bags), a loaded 9mm pistol, marijuana and five arrests.

Richard R. Reid, 30, Sterling L. Simonee, 20, Shaina M. Thompson, 20, and Constance K. Buonauro, 48, all of whom are residents of the home, were arrested, police said. There was also a 3-year-old child in the home during the investigation. The fifth person, Christina A. Kaempf, 34, of Allison Drive, was arrested after leaving the home. She was in possession of heroin, police said.

Photo: Google Maps

Reid is charged with three counts of third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, second degree criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child.

Buonauro is charged with two counts of third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.

Thompson is charged with third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child.

Simonee is charged with third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Kaempf is charged with seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

All five were arraigned on Wednesday at First District Court in Hempstead.

Photos/Nassau County Police Department- From L-R: Sterling Simonee, Shaina Thompson, Richard Reid and Constance Buonauro.