Sheriffs: Drivers arrested at jail checkpoint

The drivers of two cars attempting to enter the Suffolk County jail were arrested minutes apart Tuesday after security checks revealed they were violating orders of protection -- by having the person protected by the order in the same car, sheriffs said.

The incidents occurred just before 3 p.m. and involved the drivers of back-to-back vehicles stopped at a security checkpoint outside the correctional facility in Riverhead, the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department said.

In the first case, sheriffs said a Middle Island woman attempted to enter the jail grounds with her 11-month-old -- violating a temporary order of protection barring contact with the child.

In the second case, sheriffs said a Huntington man was arrested because he was in the same car with a woman who had a permanent order of protection against him. The woman was not identified by sheriffs.

The cars had arrived at the guard booth outside the jail back-to-back, sheriffs said.

The guard at the booth, Deputy Sheriff Joseph Mirro, following standard procedure, requested identifications for everyone in the cars, sheriffs said.

In the first case, Crystal Webberly, 29, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal contempt for violating an order barring contact with her 11-month-old.

In the second case, sheriffs said Robert Mizelle, 26, was arrested and charged with first-degree criminal contempt, obstructing governmental administration and vehicle and traffic law violations. Officials said that when Mirro discovered there was an order barring Mizelle from contact with the woman in the car, Mizelle attempted to flee -- only to be caught after a foot pursuit.

Mizelle had been released from the facility on July 17 after serving a 30-day sentence on another charge, sheriffs said.

Officials said it is standard for sheriffs to scan a license or other legal identification for all occupants of vehicles entering the facility for visitation.

Guards check for outstanding warrants, orders of protection and even license status.

Both Webberly and Mizelle were held for arraignment Wednesday in Southampton Town Justice Court.