Two men were arrested in Suffolk County for stealing cooking oil from multiple restaurants in the Fifth Precinct. However, a correction has been issued regarding the charges initially reported for one of the suspects.
According to the corrected press release, Andrew DeMarco, one of the arrested individuals, was charged with two counts of Petit Larceny and one count of Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree. The charges for DeMarco were originally incorrect in the initial release.
Gregory Smith and Andrew DeMarco allegedly engaged in a series of thefts, stealing cooking oil from three restaurants on five separate occasions between May 22 and June 5. Smith was accused of driving a rented box truck and transferring the stolen oil into a 500-gallon container, while DeMarco acted as a lookout using a 2023 Honda Accord.
After an investigation by officers from the Fifth Precinct Crime Section, Smith and DeMarco were apprehended in Patchogue at approximately 1:45 a.m. The thefts occurred at Island Empanada in Medford on May 22 and May 31, Dirty Taco in Patchogue on May 31 and June 5, and Harbor Crab in Patchogue on June 5.
Smith, 39, residing at 44 Dogwood Ave., Farmingville, was charged with Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree and five counts of Petit Larceny. DeMarco, 38, also residing at 44 Dogwood Ave., Farmingville, was charged with five counts of Petit Larceny. Both individuals are scheduled to appear for arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.
The investigation into the thefts is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone who may have been a victim of a similar crime to contact the police at 631-852-COPS to file a report.