Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Demario Weston Jr., 22, of Farmingville, was indicted for Robbery in the First Degree in connection with the alleged gun-point robbery of El Queztal Deli in September 2024. Weston and his girlfriend, Tiana MacDonald, 24, of Farmingville, also face several additional charges, including Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child following the execution of a search warrant at the couple’s home.
“The allegations detail a disturbing pattern of criminal conduct that has threatened the safety of our community,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office remains committed to protecting our local businesses and ridding our streets of both violent offenders and dangerous drugs.”
According to the investigation, on September 23, 2024, shortly before noon, Weston allegedly entered El Quetzal Deli on Flanders Road in Flanders while masked, wearing a winter coat, and armed with a handgun equipped with a laser sight.
Upon entering the deli, Weston allegedly threatened the clerk and thereafter stole approximately $6,000 from the cash register. He then allegedly pistol-whipped the clerk about her head and body.
On January 8, 2025, after an extensive investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at Weston’s Farmingville apartment. Inside the residence, police found Weston along with MacDonald, and MacDonald’s young child. The search allegedly uncovered a loaded handgun with a blue laser light attached that is believed to have been used in the robbery, as well as additional ammunition, fentanyl, cocaine, digital scales, U.S. currency, and clothing allegedly worn during the robbery.
On January 23, 2025, Weston was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski for the following charges contained in the indictment:
- One count of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
- Two counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies;
- One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony;
- One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
- Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D violent felonies;
- Three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Third Degree, Class B felonies;
- One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony;
- One count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E felony;
- One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor;
- Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor; and
- One count of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.
On February 18, 2025, MacDonald was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski for the following charges contained in the indictment:
- Three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Third Degree, Class B felonies;
- One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony;
- One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor;Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor; and
- One count of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.
Justice Pilewski ordered Weston held on $1,000,000 cash, $2,000,000 bond or $10,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Weston is due back in court on February 26, 2025, and faces 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by The Legal Aid Society.
Despite the serious nature of her alleged offenses, MacDonald was released without bail because her charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail. MacDonald is due back in court on February 26, 2025, and faces 9 years in prison if convicted on the top count. She is being represented by Chase Brown, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kristen E. L. Yeamans of the Violent Crime Enterprises Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Police Officer Kesi Goree of the Southampton Town Police Department, Investigator Daniel Crerend of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, and Detective Daniel Hogan of the Riverhead Town Police Department.
Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.