DA Sini: Former Westhampton Beach Fire Chief Indicted for Allegedly Possessing Heroin with Intent to Sell
Riverhead, NY - February 1, 2019 - Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini today announced the unsealing of an indictment against a former Westhampton Beach Fire Department official for allegedly possessing heroin with the intent to sell it while in his department-issued vehicle.
“Particularly as a first responder, this defendant should be well aware of the potentially deadly consequences of peddling this poison in our communities,” District Attorney Sini said. “His actions were irresponsible and criminal, and we will hold him accountable. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, including the Southampton Town Police Department, to investigate and prosecute anyone selling drugs in Suffolk County.”
Kevin Raynor, 32, of Westhampton Beach, is charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a B felony; Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a C felony; Official Misconduct, an A misdemeanor; and Failing to Stay in a Designated Lane, a violation.
At approximately 6 p.m. on Nov. 24, 2018, Raynor, who was serving at the time as Third Assistant Chief of the Westhampton Beach Fire Department, was driving his department-issued 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe on Carols Way in Hampton Bays when Southampton Town Police Community Response Unit (CRU) officers initiated a traffic stop.
Raynor was allegedly found to be in possession of 155 glassine bags of heroin packaged in a manner consistent with narcotics sales. A forensic analysis found the aggregate weight of the heroin to be more than one-eighth of an ounce.
Raynor was arraigned on the indictment today in front of Suffolk County Court Judge Timothy Mazzei and was released on his own recognizance. He previously posted $5,000 bail following his arraignment on the felony complaint in Southampton Town Justice Court on Nov. 25, 2018.
If convicted, Raynor faces a maximum sentence of up to nine years in prison.
Raynor was suspended from the fire department following his arrest.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Pamela Bloomfield, of the Narcotics Bureau.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.