A Bay Shore man accused of supplying cocaine to a Suffolk County drug trafficking network allegedly operated from a residence next to an elementary school, according to prosecutors, as authorities announced the indictment of 11 defendants following a long-term investigation.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said the indictment stems from a multi-agency investigation led by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the New York State Police that targeted an alleged cocaine distribution network operating throughout Suffolk County.
Prosecutors allege Lenroy Stewartson, 45, of Bay Shore, served as a supplier within the organization. During a separate undercover investigation conducted by Suffolk County Police, authorities alleged that firearms sold to an undercover officer by Nicholas Greaves had originated from Stewartson’s residence, which is located next to Mary G. Clarkson Elementary School in Bay Shore.
On March 15, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at Stewartson’s home and allegedly recovered two loaded and operable firearms, approximately eight ounces of cocaine and about $13,800 in cash. Stewartson was later indicted on a charge of Conspiracy in the Second Degree.
The investigation began in December 2024 when New York State Police launched a probe into alleged cocaine trafficking involving Jonathan Sands, 33, of Middle Island. Between December 2024 and October 2025, an undercover officer allegedly purchased cocaine from Sands on multiple occasions. Prosecutors also allege Sands and Mario Tarquinio, 40, of Farmingville, sold prescription medications including amphetamine, alprazolam and buprenorphine during some of those transactions.
As investigators expanded the case, they identified additional alleged suppliers and distributors, including Likina Edwards, 32, of Holbrook; Andrew Trotman, 42, of Mastic Beach; Ralph Elliott, 53, of Bellport; Desean Elliott, 32, of East Islip; Celine Crawford, 30, of Brentwood; Lyncoln Clarke, 24, of Bay Shore; and Stanley Strider, 52, of Manorville. Prosecutors allege some defendants acted as suppliers while others served as runners who delivered narcotics and collected payments.
Authorities executed multiple search warrants throughout the investigation.
A November 2025 search of Trotman’s Mastic Beach residence allegedly uncovered more than eight ounces of cocaine, approximately $1,500 and a loaded 9mm handgun.
During an April 2026 search of Ralph Elliott’s Bellport residence, investigators allegedly recovered cocaine, crack cocaine, approximately $20,800 in cash, multiple cellphones, assorted jewelry and a loaded .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol. Additional searches in Holbrook and East Islip allegedly yielded cash, narcotics and cellphones.
According to prosecutors, the investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately $48,700 in cash and 11 vehicles.
Among those indicted, Greaves, 31, of Amityville, faces a top charge of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree. Stewartson, Sands, Ralph Elliott, Stanley Strider and several others face conspiracy-related charges carrying potential prison sentences of up to 25 years if convicted.
Stewartson was ordered held on $700,000 cash bail, $1.4 million bond, or a $2 million partially secured bond. Several other defendants were remanded or held on significant bail while awaiting trial.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Emma Pearce and Jacob Kubetz. The investigation involved the New York State Police, Suffolk County Police Department, the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Photo: Street nearby where authorities say a drug trafficking network allegedly operated/Google Maps.
