Cops: Dad tried to hide heroin, needle near kids in car

The father of 18-month-old twins tried to hide heroin and a hypodermic needle near them in his car's backseat Tuesday after the car was stopped by Suffolk officers in Patchogue for a minor motor vehicle issue, police said.

Richard Neumann, 26, of Tarpon Avenue, Medford, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of a minor, criminal possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a hypodermic needle and driving with a suspended license.

Neumann was driving with the children east about 9 a.m. when his car was stopped by two Fifth Precinct officers on Montauk Highway, police said, after the officers noticed the car's license plate was not attached securely.

When the officers approached the stopped car they saw Neumann trying to hide some things in the car's back near the twin boys, police said.

They found that Neumann was trying to hide the heroin and a hypodermic needle, police said, and later determined that he was in possession of stolen jewelry.

Suffolk County Protective Services were notified and the children were released into their mother's custody.

Neumann was to be held overnight for arraignment Wednesday in First District Court, Central Islip.