By:Tom Jordan
Even with the drugs, and the people selling them, becoming more and more prevalent, John Duenges knew the ominous tide would turn. After receiving tips earlier in the year from residents at Old Mill Court, a 164-unit apartment complex controlled by the Rockville Centre Housing Authority, the Rockville Centre Police began an undercover investigation that has led to at least 14 drug-related arrests since March 18.
"It was just a matter of time before this happened," said Duenges, executive director for the housing authority. "We won't tolerate people selling drugs here. We're taking every step possible ... We want to get these bad actors out of the community, because when they're around, the good people suffer. Many of the residents here were fearful of even walking down the street because they don't want to get caught up in what's going on."
Rockville Centre Police Lt. James Kraemer would not comment on the specifics of the investigation but said that the intense patrolling of the area would continue. "It's not like this is a sudden uprising. The investigation has been spread out over several months and it's ongoing," he said.
Duenges said the brunt of the problem is the sale of crack cocaine. The fact that Old Mill Court is so close to Watson Elementary School and the Rosa Lee Young Childhood Center causes additional concern.
Five suspects -- Marcus Calhoun, 32; Tshombe Anthony, 18; Corey D. Ricks, 29; Kasaun White, 18, and Melvin L. Hooker Jr., 49 -- were charged with selling drugs on school grounds.
"The charge specifically means that they were selling within 1,000 feet of a school. Watson and the day-care center are right down the block," Kraemer said.
In addition, three 16-year-olds were arrested on Old Mill Court on the morning of March 29 when police found them in a car smoking marijuana.
Among the other arrests:
Michael Burgess, 22, of Old Mill Court, charged with criminal sale of marijuana 4th degree and unlawful possession; Craven J. Harvey, 21, of Old Mill Court, charged with possession and sale of a controlled substance; Christian Collado, 20, of S. Centre Ave., charged with possession and the sale of narcotics; Catressa Williams, 32, of Meehan Lane, charged with possession of a controlled substance, 3rd degree, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th degree, after being found to be in possession of crack cocaine, some of which had been processed for sale; Christopher Pirreia, 24, and Steven P. Diffendal, 29, both of Maryland, were charged with criminal possession of a weapon when a loaded sawed off 12-gauge shotgun was found in their vehicle. The two men were in the area of Old Mill Court attempting to buy drugs, police said.
"We want to make this neighborhood, and all of Rockville Centre, a safer place. My concern isn't confined to the 6 1/2 acres that make up Old Mill Creek," Duenges said.
He said that convincing the community to work with the police is not always easy. "Part of the problem is that people are afraid to get involved, but they can provide information without giving their names," he said.
Duenges also applied for a Drug Elimination Program grant that would fund security cameras to be placed throughout the apartment complex.
"I'm glad the residents' safety is being looked at by the police, who are doing a wonderful job," said Robert Pagnotta, chairman of the housing board. "There are elements of every community that, unfortunately, don't behave the way you would like them to. I'm glad the situation is being taken care of."
Police efforts have already begun to have an effect, according to Duenges. "I used to see some groups hanging around that are no longer there. I saw something that looked suspicious recently and I talked to the police, but they were already on it.
"But it's a forever battle," he continued. "The minute we put our guard down just a little bit, it'll get worse again. But we'll continue as long as this is going to happen."
