Riverhead cops: Alcohol sales to minors are up

Alcohol sales to minors are up, police said Tuesday. (Jan. 15, 2010) Credit: David Pokress
Twice a year, the Riverhead Police Department conducts an investigation designed to curtail the sale of alcohol to minors.
This year's first investigation - which resulted in six arrests for unlawfully dealing with a child - showed sales to minors are up, police said Tuesday.
In an investigation of 18 establishments licensed to sell beer, wine or liquor, six sold alcohol to minors, Riverhead Town Police Chief David Hegermiller said.
"We're up a little this year," Hegermiller said. "I would say our average over the years has been that about 10 percent of the premises have been noncompliant. This year, we're at 33 percent."
Hegermiller said perhaps it was just "the luck of the draw" as a reason for the increase but wasn't really sure. "I do think that the more we do this, the more they will be compliant with the law," he said of police checks of licensed retailers.
The six people police arrested and accused of unlawfully dealing with a child:
Richard Devereaux, 57, of Hallock Landing Road, Rocky Point
Syed Badshah, 49, of 180 Hill Circle, Calverton
Moses Phillip, 35, of 77 Ludlam Ave., Flanders
Richard Ireland, 19, of 10530 Sound Ave., Mattituck
Olvan Davila-Garcia, 36, 313 Osborne Ave., Riverhead
Freddy Collado, 47, 31 Morris St., Freeport
The six licensed establishments, all referred by police to the New York State Liquor Authority, are:
Hess Mart, 6305 Rte. 25A, Wading River
Hess Mart, 1879 Old County Rd., Riverhead
Hess Mart, 870 Old Country Rd., Riverhead
Superior Auto Repairs, 640 Main, Aquebogue
Mae's Market, 161 Railroad Ave., Riverhead
Stop and Go Mini Mart, 55 W. Main St., Riverhead.
More snow on the way ... Chow down in Charleston ... Swifties ready for Super Bowl ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV