On October 19, 2023, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Squad arrested two women for crimes including Felony Criminal Possession of Stolen Property after one of the women reported to the Warrant Bureau in Islip to surrender for separate charges that were highlighted in the Suffolk Sheriff’s “Fugitive Friday” social media campaign.
Investigators arrested Joy Portelli, 54, and Jodi Ann Harrigan, 54, both of Lindenhurst, NY, after they were found to be in possession of a vehicle that was reported stolen by Avis Car Rental, out of Roanoke, VA. This arrest was the final arrest in a series of events that began in August 2023 when Ms. Portelli left NY with her son.
Suffolk County Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. notes the complexity of this case and the interagency communication that led to the arrests. “I believe that these arrests are an example of the great work performed by Investigators of the Warrant Squad and are a testimony to the effectiveness of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office “Fugitive Friday” social media campaign. I commend my Deputies for their hard work and thank them for returning this child safely to his father.”
Joy Portelli, who is the non-custodial parent, absconded with her son on August 26, 2023 on a flight to Orlando, FL, from MacArthur Airport.
On September 19, Ms. Portelli was arrested in Woodbridge, VA, by the William City Police Department for Brandishing a Firearm. At the time of her arrest by William City PD, Ms. Portelli was operating a Grey 2022 Chrysler Pacifica with Illinois plates, which was subsequently reported stolen. At the time of this arrest, Portelli was with her minor son and her friend, Jodi Ann Harrigan. Ms. Portelli’s son was left in the custody of Harrigan, who informed the William City PD that she would turn over custody of the child to his uncle, Christopher Orthodoxon. Mr. Orthodoxon was also the person who rented the Chrysler Pacifica that Portelli was operating at the time of her arrest. Portelli was released on the payment of $1,500 bail later the same day.
On September 20, Joseph Portelli, Sr., husband of Joy Portelli and father of the child, appeared in Suffolk County Family Court in front of the Honorable Matthew Hughes. Judge Hughes issued an order of protection for Joy Portelli to stay away from both of her minor sons. Judge Hughes also issued a Temporary Order of Custody naming Joseph Portelli Sr. as the custodial parent of both children, and a Family Court arrest warrant for Joy Portelli for Child Neglect.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office featured Joy Portelli in a “Fugitive Friday” social media post which led to her self-surrender on October 19. Meanwhile, Warrant Squad investigators canvassed the First District Court parking lot and located the stolen Chrysler Pacifica, which was occupied by Jodi Ann Harrigan. Ms. Harrigan was then arrested by Investigators and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4 (E Felony). Joy Portelli was additionally charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle 3 and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4 (E Felony).
The subject vehicle was impounded as evidence at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Impound Section in Westhampton. Ms. Portelli appeared in Family Court and was released on her own recognizance. Her son was released to the custody of his father.
For more information on the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, please visit www.suffolksheriff.com.