29 Nabbed In Suffolk Domestic Violence Warrant Sweep: DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Authorities arrested 29 people over the past two weeks as part of a domestic violence warrant sweep, prosecutors said Wednesday.

The arrests were made by representatives of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, Suffolk County police, U.S. Marshals Service, Suffolk County Probation Department, and state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

"Survivors of domestic violence are among our most vulnerable populations. Whenever a defendant charged with acts of domestic violence fails to return to court, and his or her whereabouts are unknown, the victim is potentially in danger and must live in fear,” said Tierney. "Due to the changes in our bail laws, prosecutors are unable to even ask for bail on the vast majority of DV arrests. This results in many more warrant cases as, unlike in the past, the system actually incentivizes and rewards DV defendants who fail to appear in court."

An important focus of his administration, he said, has been to improve and strengthen the capacity of the District Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute those who commit crimes of domestic violence and then refuse to return to court.

“This warrant sweep is another example of cooperative police work producing real results for public safety,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “I am glad we can now give the victims of these heinous domestic violence crimes peace of mind by apprehending these individuals.”

"Domestic violence is a serious offense associated with abusive or coercive behaviors that can negatively impact an entire family," added Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison. "No victim should live in fear that their abuser will re-offend because they are ignoring the judicial system."

If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic abuse, Tierney asks you to contact the domestic violence unit of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at 631-853-4138, the Suffolk County Police Department Domestic Violence Unit at 631-854-7520, or Long Island Against Domestic Violence at 631-666-8833, a24-hour hotline. For those who are in immediate danger, call 911.