Execution of Search Warrant at New Cassel Grocery Store Nets Two Men During Illegal Gambling Investigation

LONG ISLAND, NY – Nassau County Narcotics and Vice Squad officers have arrested two men from after the execution of a search warrant which  occurred on Friday, July 10, 2015 at 7:10 pm in New Cassel.

According to detectives, members from the Narcotic/Vice Squad with assistance from the Electronics Squad, Asset Forfeiture Squad and Bureau of Special Operations executed a search warrant at Rose Grocery, 1019 Prospect Avenue for an illegal gambling investigation. Between March 2014 and June 2015 illegal bets were placed on nine nine separate occasions with the store owner. During the warrant execution the store owner, defendant Jean Celestin, 51, of North Babylon and Aurel Bonhomme, 70, of Wyandanch were taken into custody without incident.

Jean Celestin, 51, of North Babylon was charged with Possession of Gambling Records 2nd Degree, Promoting Gambling 2nd Degree and numerous charges related to the Alcohol and Tobacco Control laws. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Aurel Bonhomme, 70, of Wyandanch was charged with Conspiracy 6th Degree. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Recovered during the search warrant were pieces of electronic equipment, in excess of 50 cases of non-taxed Haitian Rum and thirty thousand dollars in cash. According to police, the investigation is ongoing.

Recovered during the search warrant were pieces of electronic equipment, in excess of 50 cases of non-taxed Haitian Rum and thirty thousand dollars in cash. According to police, the investigation is ongoing.

Celestin was charged with Possession of Gambling Records 2nd Degree, Promoting Gambling 2nd Degree and numerous charges related to the Alcohol and Tobacco Control laws. Bonhomme was charged with Conspiracy 6th Degree. Both defendants were arraigned on Saturday, July 11, 2014 at First District Court in Hempstead.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.