Westhampton Beach asst. fire chief found with 175 packets of heroin, cops say
Kevin Raynor, 32, of Westhampton Beach had 175 "glassine envelopes" containing heroin packaged for sale, according to a criminal complaint filed in Southampton Town Justice Court. Raynor, "knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic with the intent to sell it," the complaint states. Credit: Southampton Police
A Westhampton Beach assistant fire chief was arrested after officers found him with 175 packets of heroin he intended to sell Saturday evening, Southampton Town Police said.
Kevin Raynor, 32, of Westhampton Beach had 175 "glassine envelopes" containing heroin packaged for sale, according to a criminal complaint filed in Southampton Town Justice Court. Raynor, "knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic with the intent to sell it," the complaint states.
"This is a significant arrest," Southampton Town Police Chief Steven Skrynecki said in a statement. "We expect it will cause a disruption to the flow of heroin in the Town of Southampton and neighboring areas." He said the department, along with the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office East End Drug Task Force, will continue its work targeting heroin trafficking on the East End.
Raynor was stopped for a traffic infraction while driving on Carols Way in Hampton Bays shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday, police said. He was arrested and charged with third-degree and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He pleaded not guilty in Southampton Town Justice Court on Sunday and was released on $5,000 bail.
Raynor's Islip Terrace-based attorney Robert Macedonio said his client — who he said is a lifelong resident of Westhampton Beach, comes from a "respected family in the community" and has no prior criminal record — maintains his innocence. In addition to his service with the fire department, Raynor has worked for the Stony Brook University Emergency Medical Services Department since 2007, Macedonio said.
"We will vigorously defend Mr. Raynor," Macedonio said. "Once our investigation is complete, we believe it will result in a positive outcome for Mr. Raynor."
Westhampton Fire Department Chief Billy Dalton said Raynor is suspended from all fire department duties pending the outcome of the case.
"The Westhampton Beach Fire Department has a zero tolerance drug policy and does not condone any illegal activity,” he said. “If the allegations are true, we hope Kevin gets the help he needs."
Vera Chinese covers Suffolk County government and politics.