WANTAGH, NY – Nassau County police arrested two people after an investigation into a non-fatal overdose in Wantagh allegedly led detectives to a large quantity of drugs, cash and drug-packaging materials, authorities said.
According to the Nassau County Police Department, Narcotics/Vice Squad detectives arrested Jack Acquafredda, 23, of Bellerose Terrace, on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at approximately 4:35 p.m.
Police said the investigation began following the non-fatal overdose of a Nassau County resident. Detectives subsequently identified Acquafredda during the investigation and took him into custody without incident.
Authorities said a subsequent investigation at Acquafredda’s residence resulted in the recovery of approximately 41 grams of cocaine, 28.9 grams of MDMA, 1.5 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms, 5.3 grams of ketamine and approximately 54.5 grams of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, consisting of 132 pills.
Police also reported recovering approximately 56 tabs of LSD, one clonazepam pill, more than 10 pounds of cannabis and several hundred THC gummies, wax products and vape products.
Detectives additionally recovered several hundred flavored nicotine vapes, according to police.
Authorities said investigators seized $30,160 in U.S. currency that they believe represented proceeds from drug transactions. Police also reported recovering a switchblade knife, a money counter, multiple drug scales and assorted drug-packaging materials.
During the investigation, detectives also arrested Persephone [pronounced per-SEF-uh-nee.] Abert, 22, of New Hyde Park, police said. Authorities did not disclose what allegedly connected Abert to Acquafredda, the seized drugs or the overdose investigation.
Acquafredda and Abert were each charged with three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, four counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree criminal possession of cannabis.
Police said Acquafredda was additionally charged with another count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three additional counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.
Key Facts & Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident | Non-fatal overdose investigation |
| Investigation Location | Wantagh, Nassau County |
| Arrest Date | August 6, 2026 |
| Arrested | Jack Acquafredda, 23, of Bellerose Terrace; Persephone Abert, 22, of New Hyde Park |
| Investigating Unit | Nassau County Police Department Narcotics/Vice Squad |
| Major Drugs Seized | Cocaine, MDMA, psilocybin mushrooms, ketamine, prescription pills, LSD and more than 10 pounds of cannabis |
| Other Items Seized | Hundreds of THC products and nicotine vapes, drug scales, packaging materials, a money counter and a switchblade knife |
| Cash Seized | $30,160, which police said was believed to be proceeds from drug transactions |
| Charges | Multiple felony controlled-substance possession and sale charges, weapon possession and cannabis possession charges |
| Court | First District Court, Hempstead |
| Case Status | Charges are accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. |
Both defendants were scheduled to be arraigned Friday, August 7, 2026, at First District Court in Hempstead.
The charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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