Suffolk County Police on Tuesday, September 17 arrested a woman for having illegal gambling machines and allowing drinking without a license at a West Babylon business.
Following community complaints, First Precinct Crime Section officers, in conjunction with the Town of Babylon Fire Marshal, Building Inspector and Code Enforcement officials, conducted an investigation into J&M Familia Grocery & Deli, located at 672 Sunrise Highway, during which officers observed patrons consuming alcohol and gambling on the premise utilizing three illegal gambling machines.
An employee of the store, Jacqueline Mendez, was charged with Promoting Gambling 2nd Degree, Possession of Gambling Devices, Criminal Nuisance 2nd Degree and Selling Alcoholic Beverages without a License. Marlon Alvarado was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree for cocaine. Marlon Espinoza was charged with Loitering for the Purpose of Gambling.
The Town of Babylon Fire Marshal, Building Inspector and Code Enforcement department issued several violations to the business.
Mendez, 53, of 38 Young St., West Babylon, Alvarado, 34, of 707 Freedom St., North Babylon, and Espinoza, 25, of 98 Dorothy Drive, East Meadow, were all issued Desk Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.