Eight People Arrested, Drugs and Weapons Seized, Following Search Warrant

Suffolk County Police have arrested eight people, including four gang members, following a search warrant at a Greenlawn home during which drugs and weapons were seized.

Following an investigation by detectives from the  Narcotics Section, along with detectives from the Second and Fourth Precinct Special Operations Team, Criminal Intelligence Bureau, officers from the Second and Fourth Precinct Gang Units, Emergency Service Section and Canine Section, a search warrant was executed at 72 Rutgers Lane on February 5. Investigators seized heroin, crack cocaine and marijuana, with an estimated street value of approximately $15,000. Two loaded handguns, an electronic stun gun, cash, digital scales and an assortment of drug packaging equipment were also seized.

The following people were arrested:

• Alex Otero, 25, a resident of the home, was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2^nd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4^th Degree, six counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3^rd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5^th Degree, Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia 2^nd Degree and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.

• Melissa Saldarriaga, 19, a resident of the home, was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3^rd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5^th Degree, Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia 2^nd Degree and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.

• Brian Ochsenreiter, 23, a resident of the home, was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3^rd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5^th Degree and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. He was also charged with Petit Larceny for an unrelated incident.

• Bruce Giles, 26, of Huntington Station, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7^th Degree and a bench warrant for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

Joshua Crowell, 20, of Dix Hills, Karl Latortue, 32, of Dix Hills, Christine Gatling, 22, of Brooklyn, and Nadine Parker, 26, of Brooklyn, were each charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7^th Degree.

Otero, Ochsenreiter, Giles and Crowell are confirmed gang members.

The suspects were scheduled for arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip today.

Christine Gatling

Brian Ochsenreitter

Joshua Crowell

Melissa Saldarriaga

Bruce Giles

Karl Latortue

Nadine Parker