Freeport man convicted of Rockville Centre burglary, assault

It took a Nassau County jury only three hours last week to convict a Freeport man of burglarizing an Allen Road home in November 2010 fighting with police officers who attempted to arrest him at the scene.

Jerry Valery, 41, was found guilty on May 31 of two counts of first-degree burglary, two counts of second-degree assault, second and third-degree attempted robbery and resisting arrest. He faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced by Judge David Sullivan on July 23.

According to Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 22, 2010, Valery entered the home by pushing in a dining room window air conditioner and stole jewelry and electronics, including a camera and a laptop computer. But Valery tripped the home’s burglar alarm and was soon confronted by two Rockville Centre police officers who responded. He violently resisted arrest, throwing punches at the officers and grabbing one of their firearm holsters before being immobilized with a stun gun and placed under arrest. Both officers were treated for minor injuries.

The jury rejected Valery’s claims that he was supposed to meet a woman at the home and that he was only in its backyard and never inside.

“This situation could have quickly turned tragic if not for the excellent police work of these two officers, and it further underscores the danger law enforcement personnel face every day,” said Rice. “Thanks to their efforts and the outstanding work by the prosecution, a dangerous criminal is off our streets and facing a lengthy prison sentence.”

Valery’s attorney, William Rost, did not respond to a request for comment.