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. Further investigation revealed Flythe's boyfriend, Lashawn Lawrence, was also involved in trafficking fentanyl and oxycodone pills.

Law enforcement used multiple investigative techniques including physical and electronic surveillance. Additional alleged co-conspirators identified were David Brown, Jamal Lawrence, and Amylyn Spinelli.

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

At Smiley's apartment in Greenport, law enforcement allegedly found oxycodone pills; at his storage unit two loaded firearms were recovered.

A search warrant at Jamal Lawrence's and Spinelli's home in Greenport allegedly uncovered cocaine packaged for individual sale.

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

Lashawn Lawrence faces charges including Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class B felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon (Class C violent felony), Conspiracy (Class E felony), and Criminal Possession of a Weapon (Class A misdemeanor). He was arraigned on August 23, 2024, remanded during case pendency, due back in court on September 24, 2024; he faces up to 15 years if convicted.

Flythe faces similar charges as Lawrence. She was arraigned on August 23 with bail set at $250,000 cash or $500,000 bond; she is due back on September 10 facing up to 15 years if convicted.

Smiley faces charges including Criminal Sale/Possession of Controlled Substance (Class B felonies) and Criminal Possession of Weapons (Class C violent felonies). He was arraigned on August 23 with remand during case pendency; he is due back on September 13 facing up to 15 years if convicted.

Brown faces multiple counts related to controlled substances (Class B felonies) among other charges; he was arraigned on August 23 with remand during case pendency; he is due back October 9 facing up to 12 years if convicted.

Jamal Lawrence faces controlled substance-related charges; he was arraigned on August 23 with remand during case pendency; he is due back September 13 facing up to 12 years if convicted.

Spinelli is charged with Conspiracy (Class E felony); she is scheduled for arraignment on September 6 facing two-to-four years if convicted.

Willie Davender faces one count related to firearm possession; he is scheduled for arraignment on September 9 facing one-and-one-third-to-four years if convicted.