Nassau County police put six wanted faces in the social media spotlight on Wednesday, rolling out a Warrant Wednesday post that spans alleged crimes from kidnapping to grand larceny and burglary. The online roundup pairs mug shots with ages and physical descriptions and urges anyone with information to call in tips, while stressing that the public should not confront the people shown.
Who police say they're seeking
The department named six people in the latest post and listed brief case details and locations. According to the Nassau County Police Department Facebook post, the list includes:
- Samrat Pradhan, 23, wanted on a second-degree kidnapping warrant out of Bellerose Terrace
- Jeovany Ayala Rodas, 48, wanted on an aggravated DWI per se (.18% or more) with a prior conviction in Elmont
- Alexandru Dumitru, 36, wanted for fourth-degree grand larceny in Valley Stream
- Jashyhad Tahir Brice, 22, wanted on third-degree grand larceny in Garden City
- Lilian Zamora Morocho, 26, wanted for shoplifting and burglary causing physical injury in East Garden City
- Chadique Wilkins, 25, wanted on a second-degree burglary warrant in Uniondale
Police are asking anyone who recognizes the individuals or has information about their whereabouts to pass that along to investigators, not step in themselves.
How to submit tips
The post directs tips to Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. The Crime Stoppers site notes that calls are not recorded and the tip line does not transmit caller ID, and there is also an online web form for those who would rather type than talk.
If you see someone who appears to match a posting and the situation looks dangerous, police say to call 911 rather than approach the person yourself.
Why police post warrants on social media
Posting weekly wanted lists on Facebook is part of a broader trend in which law enforcement uses social platforms to widen the pool of tips and potential witnesses. Nassau’s rotation of mug shots has included earlier mugshot roundups, and national outlets like StateScoop have chronicled Warrant Wednesday campaigns in other jurisdictions. The idea is to get names and faces in front of more eyes quickly, then leave the actual legwork and follow-up to detectives.
Legal status
These postings reflect outstanding warrants or allegations and do not constitute proof of guilt. As the New York State courts note, everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Anyone with relevant information is urged to share it with investigators so detectives can vet and pursue leads through the proper legal process.
