Daquan Booker, a 34-year-old resident of Smithtown, has been remanded into Suffolk County custody following a court hearing after his re-arrest by Nassau County authorities. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney expressed concerns about the state's legislative framework, which he believes limits prosecutors' ability to request bail and affects decisions regarding case diversions.
"The State Legislature has insulated narcotics traffickers like Daquan Booker from the consequences of their actions by prohibiting prosecutors from asking for bail and silencing us in decisions to divert cases away from impactful sentencing. The results have been deadly," stated District Attorney Tierney. He further emphasized the need for empowerment of prosecutors to combat fentanyl distribution effectively.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly also commented on the situation, noting that Booker is being prosecuted in both counties for offenses related to fentanyl possession and sales. She highlighted a recent incident involving 17-year-old Grace Wrightington's fatal overdose due to opioids allegedly sold by Booker. "Working together with District Attorney Tierney, we will continue to put pressure on our legislature to pass meaningful reforms that finally hold drug dealers accountable for the deaths their drugs cause and the pain they inflict upon the families of those who tragically overdose," said Donnelly.
Booker's legal troubles began on July 11, 2023, when he was arrested by Suffolk County Police after selling pressed fentanyl pills to undercover officers. Despite being indicted, he remained out of custody due to non-bail eligible charges under New York State law. On February 27, 2024, Booker pleaded guilty to four counts related to criminal sale and possession of controlled substances but was allowed into the Judicial Diversion Program despite objections from the District Attorney's Office.
Booker faced additional charges following an arrest on June 15, 2024, including reckless driving and weapon possession offenses. Although initially remanded, he was later released in August to resume participation in the diversion program.
On October 11, 2024, Booker was apprehended at Riverhead Correctional Facility on an indictment warrant issued by Nassau County. Upon processing in Nassau County, authorities found him in possession of cocaine, leading to another charge.
On October 16, 2024, Suffolk County District Attorney's renewed application resulted in Booker's remand without bail pending his original case's resolution. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 1, 2024.
Supreme Court Justice Philip Goglas had previously indicated a potential sentence should Booker fail his treatment terms under the Judicial Diversion contract. Danielle Papa represents him legally.
Assistant District Attorney Lauren Golombek prosecutes this case with investigations conducted by Suffolk County Police Department’s Narcotics Section.