Riverhead Man Convicted Of Possession, Intent To Sell Cocaine: DA

RIVERHEAD, NY — A Riverhead man was convicted Tuesday on charges of possessing cocaine with intent to sell, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

Joseph Douglas, 42, was found guilty after a jury trial on felony drug charges that stemmed from the execution of a search warrant at his home in 2021, Tierney said.

Evidence at trial established that on December 5, 2021, members of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s fentanyl task force executed a court-authorized search warrant at Douglas’ residence, where officers recovered in excess of one-half ounce of cocaine, three digital scales, and cash, Tierney said.

On June 6, 2023, Douglas was found guilty after a jury trial before Supreme Court Richard Ambro; he was found guilty of two counts of third-degree felony criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor, Tierney said.

Douglas is due back in court for sentencing on July 10 and faces up to 15 years in prison, Tierney said. Douglas is being represented by Anthony Rutkowski; Rutkowski could not immediately be reached for comment.

Douglas has prior convictions in 1998 for second-degree attempted murder and third-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance; in 2003 for first-degree attempted promoting prison contraband; and in 2015, for third-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, Tierney said.

"This verdict is a warning to all those who think they can sell dangerous drugs in Suffolk County — you will be caught, and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Tierney said. "My office will continue to hold anyone threatening the safety of Suffolk County residents accountable for their actions."