<p>Her 25-day disappearance grabbed national attention after she was found on a yacht. What her story reveals about LI&rsquo;s hidden world of drugs and&nbsp;sex trafficking. Newsday reporters Shari Einhorn, Grant Parpan and Sandra Peddie have the story.</p>


Long Island

Crime

INGIRL2504XX_LAL_FUI_RH2_NPG_video

1 girl, 23 arrested in 2 states: Inside LI's hidden world of drugs, sex trafficking

East Patchogue

Suffolk

long island

New York State

onecms:b6626a80-8cf8-4974-879f-cfef830df6fc

Newsday

'She's broken. She's so broken'

ingirl coverv1.jpg

animation_1754426592

Most Popular

Latest videos

Crime video slot

Toys of Hope is asking for donations after the organization says several hundred toys from its holiday drive were stolen Saturday.

'A holiday nightmare'

Andrew Dykes, 66, has been indicted for the 1997 murder of Tanya Jackson, whose killing was a mystery for nearly 30 years. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'A violent and horrifying act of violence'

Ex-Suffolk police officer George Trimigliozzi on Monday was sentenced to two years in prison for managing brothels in Holbrook and West Babylon. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'We do not stand for corruption'

Suffolk prosecutors say postal worker Jovanni Jamieson-Lewis stole gift cards and used them to shop at TJ Maxx. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'There definitely was a brazenness to it'

Sign up for The Gilgo Case newsletter

Gilgo Newsletter Widget

Heidy Zelaya Almendarez, 24, allegedly left the scene in a light-colored sedan after hitting Octavio De Jesus Espinal Sime, 76, according to Nassau police.

Police: Wyandanch woman charged in alleged fatal hit-and-run

Crime Article Bottom Module

The money won't be released for at least another month as the mother's attorneys draw up a new proposal that could see more money paid directly to her.

Valva settlement delayed again over money split

Desean Harrison pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder on Monday.

Prosecutors: Elmont man, 23, charged with fatally stabbing 33-year-old roommate

John Pilaccio, 43, was charged in the killing of Edeedson Cine, 23, of West Babylon, at the Lindenhurst pharmacy, police said.

Lindenhurst man charged in fatal Christmas Day stabbing of CVS employee inside store

John Pilaccio, 43, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder before a Suffolk County District Court judge, documents show.

Lindenhurst man charged with murder in Christmas Day CVS stabbing, records show

John Ankelman was arrested after the head-on crash in Melville, police said.

Farmingdale man facing DWI charges in head-on crash that critically injured another driver

The district attorney's office said the man met the boy on a social media and dating app.

Suffolk DA: Massapequa man charged with raping, robbing boy, 12

Crime Video Playlist

According to police, two men were arrested in connection with a secret gambling room at Silver Shears Barber Shop in Uniondale. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed has more.

'A secret room with gambling machines'

A Kings Park man, Brian Blackford, has been charged with robbing two banks in a 48-hour period. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed has more.

'Fled on foot'

Four teenagers have been arrested in connection with an alleged gang assault stabbing that seriously injured another teen. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed has more.

'Stabbed multiple times last month in a parking lot'

Austin Lynch, 18, who is charged with murder in the shooting death of Emily Finn, requested the exam at a court hearing to determine if he is mentally competent to stand trial. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

Teen charged with murder requests psychiatric exam

What began as a desperate hunt for Shannan Gilbert in the marshes near Gilgo Beach became, in three astonishing days in December 2010, the unmasking of a possible serial killer. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed has more.

'We had absolutely no idea what happened to her'

A son is now facing charges after a fatal stabbing at a Plainedge deli. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Son accused of fatally stabbing parents

A man and woman were found dead at A&A Italian Deli & Pizza in Plainedge. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa has more.

'I stabbed my parents'

Andrew Dykes, 66, of Tampa, was indicted on a murder charge in Nassau County on Wednesday. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Arrest made in 'Peaches' case

Kevin McDonald was sentenced in the rape of a 14-year-old Patchogue girl who went missing for 25 days last year. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'He took full responsibility for what transpired'

Kacy Corso, 33, pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in the fatal stabbing of her ex-boyfriend at the Stony Brook Yacht Club last month. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

LI woman pleads not guilty in fatal stabbing

Jacob McMillan, of Baldwin, is accused of killing 19-year-old Amira McCleod at a Hempstead house party last month. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Baldwin man charged in Hempstead killing

Suffolk County police say that a 17-year-old Nesconset teen fatally shot his 18-year-old ex-girlfriend and then turned the gun on himself. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

'No domestic history between the two of them'

Homepage Trending

New Year's Eve on LI

Newsday Investigations

Long Island Teacher Spotlights

All-Long Island teams

Newsday TV shorts

Vertical videos

Paws of War rescued dogs from an illegal puppy mill in Tennessee. The animals are now going to forever homes of veterans. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

A heartwarming story that will give paws

Travel reporter Carissa Kellman experiences the luxurious perks at local hotels with no check-in required.

Daycation: You don't have to spend the night to enjoy these amenities at nearby hotels

Hundreds of people attended the candlelight vigil in Lindenhurst Monday evening for Edeedson Cine Jr., who was fatally stabbed while working at CVS on Christmas.

Vigil held for slain CVS worker

Dozens gathered in cold and rainy weather in Central Islip to protest alleged ICE detention conditions at the federal courthouse. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Protesters rally against ICE detention conditions in Central Islip 

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed speaks to local wineries on the best sparkling wines for your midnight champagne toast.

Out East: Local champagnes for the new year

Some tips and tricks if you're planning on reveling in Times Square this New Year's Eve.

Times Square on New Year's Eve: What to know

Beginning next month, MetroCards will be a thing of the past and the cost of LIRR tickets will rise. Newsday transportation reporter Alfonso Castillo has more.

MTA fare and toll hikes coming in 2026

After Carey High School senior James McGrath Jr. lost both of his parents by age 11, he relied on his older brother and two sisters to help guide him through life.

Carey High's James McGrath has siblings' support after losing parents

The federal "no tax on tips" policy allows workers who typically receive tips to receive up to a $25,000 tax deduction for certain gratuities until 2028.

No tax on tips: What it means for LIers

Laney McGowan died after a long and courageous battle with Dravet syndrome, a severe form of genetic epilepsy. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'We always prayed and we wished they would have a cure'

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/video/newsdaytv-top-stories">Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories</a>

Newsday TV

NewsdayTV Top Item

Let's Go: Daytime hotel getaways ... Paws of War puppy adoptions ... Newsday's 'Dangerous Roads' town hall ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV

Let's Go: Daytime hotel getaways ... Paws of War puppy adoptions ... Newsday's 'Dangerous Roads' town hall

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

Crime - megaslot

Follow crime and courts news in Nassau and Suffolk, including incidents reported in your neighborhood, trial coverage, sentencings and more.

Stay logged in.