Dozen Indicted In South Shore Narcotics Ring: Prosecutors

MINEOLA, NY — A dozen people have been indicted after an investigation uncovered a narcotics trafficking ring on Nassau County's South Shore, prosecutors announced.

"As alleged in the indictment, this trafficking ring sold poison in the form of crack, cocaine and fentanyl, all along the South Shore of Long Island," Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly said. "We recovered more than eight pounds of cocaine and nearly half a kilogram of fentanyl, as well as an assault weapon, a ghost gun, and multiple high-capacity magazines."

Christopher Corley, 47, of Valley Stream, was arraigned Wednesday on charges that include operating as a major trafficker, second-degree conspiracy and six counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Corley pleaded not guilty and was remanded. If convicted, Corley faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

James Anthony Alexander, 48, of Baldwin and Lithonia, Georgia, and Janeathea Nealy, 36, of Baldwin, were arraigned on charges that include second-degree conspiracy.

They pleaded not guilty. Alexander’s bail was set at $500,000 cash, $1 million bond, and $2 million partially secured bond. Janeathea Nealy’s bail was set at $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond, and $100,000 partially secured bond.

Thomas Keyes, 36, of Long Beach, was arraigned on charges of second-degree conspiracy and two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Clifford Nealy, 47, of West Hempstead, was arraigned on charges that include second-degree conspiracy and four counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

The defendants are all due back in court on October 26, Donnelly said.

"The evidence speaks volumes in this case," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. "Since their insurgence, fentanyl and other synthetic and poisonous drugs are often mixed with traditional drugs, endangering the most vulnerable."

Prosecutors allege that the narcotics were being sold in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

In total, search warrants executed on June 13, recovered:

• More than 3.9 kilograms of cocaine – approximately 8.5 pounds
• Nearly half a kilogram of fentanyl
• More than 24 grams of crack/cocaine
• Seven firearms, including a so-called ghost gun and an assault weapon
• Four large-capacity magazines
• More than 23 grams of alprazolam
• Approximately 4.2 grams of oxycodone

Other defendants who were indicted:

Tatiana Lopez, 35, of West Hempstead, was arraigned on charges of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, five counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and three counts of criminal possession of a firearm.

John Nealy, 22, of West Hempstead, and Kito Lockwood, 49, of West Hempstead, who were each arraigned on three counts of criminal possession of a firearm and three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Christopher Lasane, Sr., 50, of Long Beach, and Christopher Lasane, Jr., 27, of Long Beach, were each arraigned before Judge Berkowitz Wednesday on charges that include two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in the Second Degree and two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Noelle Dean, 27, of Uniondale, and Keya Evans, 48, of Long Beach, were arraigned on charges of criminal possession of a firearm; five counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

"Our communities are safer today with these individuals removed from our neighborhoods, as numerous firearms and large quantities of drugs have been seized," Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said.