Crime & Safety

RVC Man Busted in Alleged Drug Deal

A Rockville Centre man was one of four arrested on Tuesday after an alleged drug deal in Hempstead, police said.

On Aug. 6 at 5:45 p.m., undercover detectives from the CIRRT (Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Team) task force were observing a gray Saturn parked at the intersection of South Franklin Street and Elm Avenue during a narcotics investigation. The vehicle was occupied by driver Vincent Basank, 47, of Valley Stream, and a passenger, Paul Marrero, 38, of Island Park.

The vehicle was then approached by Julius Eatman, 47, of Uniondale, who began speaking with Basank, police said. Eatman then walked away from the car and was allegedly handed a clear bag containing what was believed to be crack cocaine by Craig Burroughs, 46, of Rockville Centre, who was seated in a wheelchair on the sidewalk. (It’s unclear whether Burroughs has a disability.)

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After returning to the vehicle, Basank allegedly handed Eatman an unknown amount of cash in exchange for the bag of crack cocaine, according to police.

Detectives approached the defendants, identified themselves and placed the four men into custody.

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Basank and Marrero are charged with two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Eatman is charged with third-degree and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, and violation of parole. Burroughs is charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

Basank and Marrero were released on appearance tickets and are due in First District Court in Hempstead on Aug. 20.

Eatman and Burroughs were scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Aug. 7.


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