Crime & Safety

Crimes Nearby: Hammer Used in Brutal Mugging, Robber Sentenced

A rundown of the week's top crime stories in neighboring communities.

The following information was supplied by the Nassau County and Rockville Centre Police Departments. A criminal charge is only an accusation, and does not indicate convictions.

Freeport Man Sentenced to 22 Years for RVC Burglary, Police Assault

A Freeport man was sentenced to 22 years in prison Wednesday after a jury found him guilty of burglarizing a Rockville Centre home in 2010 and fighting with police officers who attempted to arrest him at the scene.

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Jerry Valery, 41, was convicted in June of two counts of burglary in the first degree, two counts of assault in the second degree, attempted robbery in the second and third degrees and resisting arrest. He was sentenced this morning by Judge David Sullivan.

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said that at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 22, 2010, Valery entered an Allen Road home by pushing in a dining room window air conditioner.

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Valery proceeded to steal assorted jewelry and electronics, including a camera and a laptop computer, Rice said. He tripped the home's burglary alarm when he entered and two Rockville Centre police officers quickly arrived at the scene.

Valery was confronted by the officers inside the rear of the home and violently resisted arrest, Rice said. He repeatedly threw punches at the officers and grabbed one of their firearm holsters before being Tasered and placed under arrest. Both officers were treated for minor injuries.

"Police officers place themselves in danger every day, and this situation could have quickly turned tragic if not for the excellent work by these two officers," Rice said. "Their bravery and professionalism helped to ensure that Mr. Valery will be off of our streets for a very long time."

Three Arrested for Beating Robbery Victim With Hammer

Nassau County Police arrested three suspects in Elmont on Friday night for allegedly beating and robbing a 22-year-old man.

According to detectives, the victim was standing on Bell Street in the vicinity of Bishop Place smoking a cigarette when a 2002 Infiniti occupied by Brandon Dietrich, 24, of Smithtown, Brian Nenos, 25, of Smithtown, and Eric Broecker, 24 of Kings Park, approached him. Dietrich and Broecker exited the vehicle, allegedly punched and kicked the victim and then struck him with a hammer numerous times about the body.

After removing the victim’s iPhone, watch, car keys and cash, the three suspects allegedly dragged him on the ground and threw him into a creek on Bell Street. The defendants then reentered the vehicle and fled the scene in an unknown direction. The victim was able to return to his residence on Bishop Place and notified police.

Fourth Precinct police officers responded to the scene and an extensive search was conducted. The suspects and vehicle were stopped at Meacham Avenue and Sweetman Avenue, and after being identified, they were placed into custody. The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The proceeds and hammer were recovered in the vehicle.

Dietrich, Nenos and Broecker were charged with first degree Robbery and were arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Sept. 15.

Teen Attacked, Robbed Outside Best Buy

An 18-year-old man was attacked and robbed in Valley Stream Thursday night around 11:50 p.m. 

According to Nassau County Police detectives, who are investigating the case, the victim was walking on Circle Drive in the vicinity of the Best Buy Store when he was attacked from behind by an unknown male black approximately 17 to 19 years old, 6’ 1” tall, thin build, dark complexion and wearing a dark-colored baseball style cap. The suspect punched the victim in the face and stole the victim's iPhone while a second unknown male black suspect confronted the victim.

Both suspects fled westbound on Circle Drive in an older model Toyota sedan that was being operated by a third unknown male black suspect. The victim refused medical assistance at the scene.

Detectives are requesting anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All calls are confidential and all callers will remain anonymous.

Teen Robbed Walking in Valley Stream

Nassau County Police are investigating a robbery that occurred in Valley Stream on Friday at 3:30 p.m.

According to detectives, a 17-year-old male victim was walking on Elmont Road in the vicinity of Oliver Avenue when he was approached by two unknown male black suspects from the rear. One held the victim, restricting his movement, and demanded his property. While restraining the victim the suspect reached into his pockets removing an iPod Touch.

Both suspects then fled the scene southbound on Oliver Avenue. No injuries were reported. One suspect is further described as 5’11” tall, medium complexion, wearing a dark shirt, khaki colored shorts and a black baseball cap. There is no further description of the second suspect.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

For more local crime, click on the following links: Malverne, route: {:controller=>"articles", :action=>"show", :id=>"malverne-pd-alleged-drunk-driver-hits-pole-resident-harassed"} -->,  Garden City, Rockville Centre  and , Five Towns and 


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