A Long Island couple has been hit with a slew of criminal charges, following the unearthing of a fentanyl operation that could have supplied potentially fatal doses to thousands, and the discovery of neglected puppies in what has been described as deplorable conditions. Troy Daniels, 44, is facing substantial drug-related counts – including four charges of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance – after he was accused of dealing fentanyl out of his Middle Island apartment, Patch reported. His girlfriend, Toni Gerwycki, 31, has also been accused of animal cruelty in connection with their care of four American Bully puppies.
The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office claims that between May and July of this year, an undercover officer bought more than two ounces of fentanyl from Daniels during multiple operations, a quantity sufficient to kill over 28,000 people. Lurking in the background of this drug den, four puppies were found in a scenario alarming not only for its filth but also for the inherent danger posed by the proximity to such dangerous substances. The animal cruelty charges come following the discovery that three of these puppies were locked in a crate without food or water and the fourth with a severe ear infection, according to NBC New York.
During the raid of the Middle Island residence conducted on July 18, Suffolk County officials made the shocking find – necessitating immediate veterinary intervention. While they came seeking fentanyl, which they indeed found alongside other narcotics and paraphernalia, the officials also recovered a shotgun. District Attorney Raymond Tierney highlighted the grave risks of dealing with fentanyl, saying, "Each illicit transaction of fentanyl has lethal potential." He emphasized that "Dealers must face consequences commensurate with the threat that their actions pose to our community," as reported by NBC New York.
Daniels' legal representation comes courtesy of John LoTurco, who at the time of reporting hadn't responded to inquiries for comment. He is currently held on a $500,000 cash bail, his bond set at either $1 million, or a $2 million partially secured bond, and is due back in court on September 4. Facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the top count, "Each illicit transaction of fentanyl has lethal potential," said Tierney, as per Patch. Gerwycki, represented by Ian Fitzgerald – who also has not provided comments thus far – was released without bail and is expected back in court on August 22, with a possible year in jail hanging over her if convicted on the top charge.
