Alcohol sales to minors are up, police said Tuesday. (Jan....

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.

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