RIVERHEAD, N.Y. – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney has announced the indictment of 10 individuals accused of running a large-scale cocaine distribution ring that operated openly in a Riverside neighborhood, a small residential hamlet just south of downtown Riverhead. The bust is the result of a comprehensive investigation conducted by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s East End Drug Task Force in partnership with multiple local, state, and federal agencies.
Authorities allege that the defendants transformed a residence at 20 Brown Street in Riverside into an active drug marketplace, with customers visiting daily to purchase crack cocaine in broad daylight. The year-long investigation included undercover drug buys, surveillance operations, and the execution of 18 search warrants across Suffolk, Nassau, and Queens Counties.
This case highlights our continued commitment to dismantling drug networks that endanger our neighborhoods,” said District Attorney Tierney. “These individuals allegedly brought violence, addiction, and fear to the doorsteps of hardworking families. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners, we are restoring safety and accountability.”
The collaborative effort involved the Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Southampton and Riverhead Town Police Departments, East Hampton and Southampton Village Police, the DEA, and the Freeport Police Department, among others.
Chief James Kiernan of the Southampton Town Police emphasized the importance of joint operations. “This team-based approach allows us to return communities long affected by drug activity to their residents,” he said.
Details of the Investigation
The investigation began in July 2024, focusing on activity at the Brown Street home of Timothy McKay Sr. Undercover detectives with the DA’s Fentanyl Task Force purchased crack cocaine at the location on 26 separate occasions from multiple individuals, including McKay Sr., Timothy McKay Jr., Joseph McKay, and Ronald Love.
Authorities identified Robert Love, 71, of Riverhead, as the alleged leader of the trafficking operation. Investigators say he ran the network alongside his brothers and several co-conspirators, including McKay Sr. and Jr., Joe McKay, and Aleatra Eleazer. Prince Yellordy, 48, of Freeport, was identified as one of the group’s cocaine suppliers.
Covert surveillance showed a constant stream of foot traffic into the Brown Street residence, with buyers allegedly walking up the driveway to purchase drugs from organization members. This activity continued daily and throughout the day.
In June 2025, co-defendant Hallock “Hal” Luce V allegedly arranged for cocaine deliveries to the site. A search of Robert Love’s residence turned up more than 14 ounces of cocaine, $11,000 in cash, and various drug processing and packaging materials.
In total, authorities recovered:
- Over 14 ounces of cocaine
- More than 100 pounds of illegal cannabis
- Eight operable firearms and ammunition
- Over $170,000 in cash
- Drug manufacturing tools, including a kilo press, dilutants, and digital scales
Arraignments and Charges
On July 11, 2025, the following individuals were arraigned before Justice John B. Collins:
- Robert E. “Boy” Love, 71, of Riverhead
- Charged with top-level drug sales and conspiracy offenses
- Held on $2.5M cash / $5M bond
- Facing up to 25 years to life
- Attorney: John Halverson, Esq.
- Timothy McKay Jr., 36, of Riverside
- Charged with drug sales and conspiracy
- Held on $1M cash / $2M bond
- Facing up to 8⅓ to 25 years
- Attorney: Christian Killoran, Esq.
- Joe McKay, 52, of Riverside
- Charged with conspiracy and possession
- Held on $500,000 cash / $1.5M bond
- Facing up to 25 years to life
- Attorney: Keith O’Halloran, Esq.
- Prince Yellordy, 48, of Freeport
- Charged with conspiracy
- Held on $1.5M cash / $3M bond
- Facing up to 25 years to life
- Attorney: Scott Zerner, Esq.
On July 17, 2025, additional defendants were arraigned:
- Timothy “Booty” McKay Sr., 56, of Riverside
- Charged with multiple felony drug sales, weapons charges, and conspiracy
- Held on $2.5M cash / $5M bond
- Facing up to 25 years to life
- Attorney: Melissa Aguanno, Esq.
- Ronald “Boo” Love, 59, of Riverside
- Charged with drug sales and conspiracy
- Released under GPS-monitored supervision
- Facing up to 25 years to life
- Attorney: Ian Fitzgerald, Esq.
- Aleatra Eleazer, 37, of Northampton
- Charged with conspiracy, firearm possession, and child endangerment
- Released under GPS-monitored supervision (non-bail eligible under NYS law)
- Facing up to 8⅓ to 25 years
- Attorney: Daniel Fox, Esq.
- Hallock “Hal” Luce V, 40, of Riverhead
- Charged with conspiracy
- Released under GPS-monitored supervision (non-bail eligible under NYS law)
- Facing 8⅓ to 25 years
- Attorney: Edward Burke Jr., Esq.
Two additional individuals have been indicted and are still awaiting arrest and arraignment.
Task Force and Prosecution
The investigation was conducted by members of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s East End Drug Task Force, which includes officers from numerous local police departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jennifer Wickers and Daniel Fischer of the Narcotics Bureau.
Lead investigative officers included Officer Bryan Cobb (Southampton Town Police) and Officer Logan Frati (Riverhead Town Police).
