Freeport man gets 22 years for Rockville Centre burglary, assault

A Freeport man convicted of burglarizing a Rockville Centre home and fighting with police was sentenced to 22 years in prison on Sept. 12.

According to Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, Jerry Valery, 41, entered a home on Allen Road on Nov. 22, 2010 by pushing in a dining room window air conditioner and proceeded to steal assorted jewelry and electronics, including a camera and a laptop.

Two Rockville Centre police officers quickly arrived at the scene after Valery tripped the home’s burglary system, Rice said, and Valery punched at the officers and grabbed one of their firearm holsters before being tasered and placed under arrest.

“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 our streets for a very long time.”

Both officers were treated for minor injuries.

Valery was convicted in June of two counts of burglary, two counts of assault, attempted robbery and resisting arrest.