Suffolk Reporter

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney has announced that Robert Mauro, a 40-year-old resident of Miller Place, pleaded guilty to charges related to the death of a Patchogue woman and the fentanyl poisoning of an infant. Mauro admitted to Manslaughter in the Second Degree for causing the death of a 31-year-old woman and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance after selling fentanyl to James Carr, resulting in serious injuries to Carr's infant.

"This defendant pled to manslaughter after selling fentanyl that was so potent, it caused the fatal overdose of a 31-year-old woman and the near-fatal overdose of an infant," said District Attorney Tierney. He highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in charging drug dealers with Manslaughter under current New York laws. Tierney emphasized the need for legislation like a "Death by Dealer" statute.

On January 13, 2024, authorities responded to an emergency call about an unresponsive infant on Colmar Avenue in Lake Grove. The child, referred to as "Baby Doe," was diagnosed with acute fentanyl poisoning among other severe conditions. James Carr, the child's father, was arrested and faces multiple charges.

Investigations revealed that Carr had been in contact with Mauro regarding narcotics sales between January 4 and January 5, 2024. On January 9, Mauro sold fentanyl to Carr despite knowing its potency had previously caused an overdose.

Later in January, detectives investigating "Baby Doe's" case were called to another incident involving a fatal overdose in Patchogue. The deceased woman's phone showed she had purchased drugs from Mauro on January 28. Text exchanges indicated her concerns about the strength of the drugs she bought from him.

An autopsy confirmed her death resulted from acute intoxication due to several substances including various forms of fentanyl and xylazine—a sedative often used as a cutting agent by drug dealers.

Mauro's home was searched on February 20 where he attempted to destroy evidence but law enforcement recovered items including digital scales and drugs. Digital evidence showed Mauro acknowledged his narcotics' lethal potential in conversations with others.

On October 17, Mauro pleaded guilty before Judge Philip Goglas and is expected to receive five to fifteen years for manslaughter and seven years for drug sale offenses concurrently upon sentencing on December 10. He is represented by attorney Matthew Tuohy.

The prosecution is led by Assistant District Attorney Danielle Davis with Detective Paul Rutoulo conducting investigations.