FLORAL PARK, NY – Between December 19, 2024, and January 16, 2025, the Nassau County Police Department’s Narcotics Vice Squad, in collaboration with the Floral Park Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations, conducted an extensive investigation into narcotics sales, leading to the arrest of three individuals:
- Anthony W. Grassi, 28, of Floral Park, charged with multiple counts including Criminal Sale and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
- Anthony Rinaldi, 44, of Elmont, charged with Criminal Sale and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
- Robert Kuno, 23, of Floral Park, charged with Criminal Possession and Sale of a Controlled Substance.
All three defendants were arraigned on January 17, 2025, at First District Court in Hempstead.
In New York, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance is classified as a felony. The severity of the charge depends on the specific degree of the offense, as outlined in Article 220 of the New York Penal Law:
Degrees of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance:
- First Degree (Class A-I Felony):
- Involves selling 2 or more ounces of a narcotic drug.
- This is the most serious charge, carrying a potential sentence of 15 to 25 years in prison.
- Second Degree (Class A-II Felony):
- Involves selling at least half an ounce of a narcotic drug or 250 milligrams of methamphetamine.
- Punishable by 3 to 8 years minimum, up to life imprisonment.
- Third Degree (Class B Felony):
- Involves knowingly and unlawfully selling any amount of a controlled substance.
- Punishable by 1 to 9 years in prison, depending on the circumstances.
- Fifth Degree (Class D Felony):
- Typically involves the sale of smaller quantities or less dangerous substances.
- Punishable by up to 7 years in prison.
These laws are designed to target drug distribution networks and impose harsher penalties on larger-scale operations or those involving particularly harmful substances like heroin or fentanyl.
