Suffolk Reporter

Daquan Booker, a 34-year-old man from Smithtown, has been remanded into custody following a Suffolk County Court hearing. The action comes after his re-arrest by Nassau County authorities. Previously, Booker was placed in the Suffolk County Court’s Judicial Diversion Program despite objections from prosecutors.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney expressed concerns about current legislation. "The State Legislature has insulated narcotics traffickers like Daquan Booker from the consequences of their actions by prohibiting prosecutors from asking for bail and silencing us in decisions to divert cases away from impactful sentencing. The results have been deadly," he stated. He emphasized the need for empowering prosecutors to address fentanyl distribution effectively.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly commented on Booker's recent arraignment related to selling opioids that allegedly led to a fatal overdose of a 17-year-old. “I am pleased that Daquan Booker was remanded after his court appearance today in Suffolk County,” she said. She also called for legislative reforms to hold drug dealers accountable.

Booker was initially arrested on July 11, 2023, for selling fentanyl pills to undercover officers but remained out of custody due to non-bail eligible charges under New York State law. He pleaded guilty in February 2024 and was allowed into the Judicial Diversion Program despite opposition.

In June 2024, Booker faced additional charges including reckless driving and possession of a weapon but was released again in August to continue the diversion program over further objections.

On October 11, 2024, Nassau County authorities arrested Booker at Riverhead Correctional Facility on an indictment warrant, where he was later found with cocaine leading to more charges. He was released after arraignment on October 15, 2024.

Following a renewed application by Suffolk County District Attorney's Office on October 16, 2024, Booker was remanded without bail pending further proceedings set for November 1, 2024.

Supreme Court Justice Philip Goglas had previously indicated that failure to complete the diversion program terms would result in a two-year sentence followed by post-release supervision. Danielle Papa represents Booker legally while Assistant District Attorney Lauren Golombek prosecutes the case with assistance from Suffolk County Police Department’s Narcotics Section.