Suffolk Reporter

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the arrests of eight individuals accused of narcotics trafficking, sales, and gun possession on Long Island’s North Fork. The investigation was conducted by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s East End Drug Task Force (EEDTF) and the Southold Police Department.

“What began as a tragic fatal overdose in Albany led us to uncover a significant drug trafficking operation here in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The fact that the victim’s family, amid their grief, had the presence of mind to contact law enforcement, led to the unraveling of an alleged criminal organization and the arrests of these eight individuals. I urge any families who are unfortunately in similar circumstances, to call my office or the Suffolk County Police Department, so that we may seek justice for the untimely death of your loved one.”

“On behalf of the Southold Town Police Department, I want to thank the East End Drug Task Force for their relentless commitment and tireless efforts to keeping our community safe,” said Southold Police Department Captain Steve Grattan. “Their recent success in combatting illegal drug activity is a testament to their teamwork and dedication.”

The investigation began in August 2023 after a family contacted EEDTF regarding a fatal fentanyl overdose that occurred in June 2023 in Albany County. Law enforcement learned that Shawn Smiley allegedly mailed counterfeit oxycodone pills to the victim prior to his death.

Smiley allegedly obtained illicit pills from Melissa Flythe and sold them at various locations on the North Fork. It was discovered that Flythe’s boyfriend, Lashawn Lawrence, was also allegedly involved in trafficking fentanyl and oxycodone pills.

During the investigation, law enforcement used multiple techniques including physical and electronic surveillance. They identified additional alleged co-conspirators: David Brown, Jamal Lawrence, and Amylyn Spinelli.

On August 22, 2024, multiple search warrants were executed. At Lawrence's and Flythe's apartment in Riverhead, law enforcement allegedly found a loaded unserialized semi-automatic pistol ("ghost gun"), fentanyl packaged for individual sale, and oxycodone pills.

Search warrants at Smiley's apartment in Greenport revealed oxycodone pills; his storage unit contained two loaded firearms. At Jamal Lawrence's and Spinelli's home in Greenport, cocaine packaged for individual sale was recovered.

At Brown's apartment in Riverhead, over half an ounce each of cocaine and suspected fentanyl were found packaged for sale. Zante Davender was allegedly found with oxycodone pills while Willie Davender possessed an unregistered firearm.

Lashawn Lawrence faces charges including Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (Third Degree), Criminal Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree), Conspiracy (Fourth Degree), and Criminal Possession of a Weapon (Fourth Degree). He was arraigned on August 23, 2024; remanded during case pendency; due back in court on September 24; facing up to 15 years if convicted; represented by Anthony Rutkowski.

Flythe faces similar charges; arraigned on August 23; bail set at $250,000 cash/$500,000 bond; due back on September 10; facing up to 15 years if convicted; currently without representation.

Smiley faces charges including Criminal Sale/Possession of a Controlled Substance (Third Degree), Criminal Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree), Conspiracy (Fourth Degree); arraigned on August 23; remanded during case pendency; due back on September 13; facing up to 15 years if convicted; represented by Melissa Aguanno.

Brown faces multiple counts related to controlled substances including Conspiracy (Fourth Degree); arraigned on August 23; remanded during case pendency; due back October 9; facing up to 12 years if convicted top count; represented by Legal Aid Society.

Jamal Lawrence faces charges including Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (Third Degree) and Conspiracy (Fourth Degree); arraigned on August 23; remanded during case pendency; due back September 13; facing up to 12 years if convicted top count; represented by Oscar Crisafio.

Spinelli charged with Conspiracy (Fourth Degree); scheduled arraignment September 6; facing two-four years if convicted.

Willie Davender charged with Criminal Possession of Firearm (Class E felony); scheduled arraignment September 9; facing one-third-four years if convicted.