A resident of Selden, identified as Michael Parise, has been formally charged in connection to a series of burglaries spanning nearly three months, targeting different businesses across Suffolk. A variety of establishments, ranging from an animal hospital to a bagel bakery, as well as a Ronald McDonald charity box, fell victim to what agency officers described as Parise’s ‘systematically orchestrated’ series of robberies.
The District Attorney’s Office of Suffolk County issued a statement indicating that Parise, aged 49, faced arraignment under the purview of Suffolk State Supreme Court Justice Timothy D. Mazzei. Parise was indicted on 10 counts of third-degree burglary in addition to charges of third-degree attempted burglary, petit larceny, and criminal mischief, all part of his alleged criminal activities that stretched over a considerable time period.
Court documentation gives an account of Parise, under the counsel of Legal Aid, submitting a plea of not guilty. Subsequently, bail was set at $200,000 bond, $100,000 cash bail, or $2 million partially secured bond. In light of the charges, a temporary restraining order was also implemented. The official return court date for Parise has been scheduled for the 20th of March.
Parise’s legal representative was unavailable for immediate commentary regarding the ongoing case. It has been reported that during the interval from November 27 to February 2, Parise was implicated in the burglary of 10 businesses situated within Stony Brook, Smithtown, Selden, and Coram, making away with $7,413 in cash and a cellphone.
Parise’s arrest by Suffolk police officers occurred in Selden, at approximately 11 a.m. on February 2, shortly following an alleged attempt to burgle a local Chinese restaurant. Prosecution statements contend that on the same day, Parise had burglarized two more businesses situated in the nearby vicinity.
Parise has officially been charged with burglary at various locations including Subway in Stony Brook (November 27), Ssambap Korean BBQ in Stony Brook (December 16), Orangetheory Fitness in Stony Brook (December 24), Hype Cut and Color Bar in Smithtown (December 26), and Rebel Kickboxing Gym in Smithtown (December 26).
Additional charges linked to the series of burglaries place Parise in Taino’s Cafe and Lounge in Coram on December 27, Bagel Cafe of Stony Brook in Stony Brook on January 5, Kimochi Bubble Tea in Selden on January 30, Subway in Selden on February 2, and Middle Country Animal Hospital in Selden on February 2.
In an unexpected escalation of the series of crimes, the prosecutors alleged that on December 26, Parise allegedly targeted a Ronald McDonald donation box stationed at a local McDonald’s on Nesconset Highway in Stony Brook. From this charitable public donation box, he allegedly managed to extract $20.
Prosecution statements also mentioned Parise’s attempted burglary of the Peking Chinese Kitchen in Selden, which occurred shortly before his arrest by the local law enforcement officers on February 2. Prosecutors have gleaned from investigation that most of the businesses had their access breached by way of broken window or glass door, indicating the modus operandi of the accused.
The news of these targeted burglaries sparked a strong reaction from Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney, who expressed his firm commitment to protect local businesses that are integral to regional economic stability and cater to the residents’ needs.
In a formal statement released on Thursday along with the announcement of the indictment, Tierney affirmed that such criminal actions that place the local business community under threat will not be tolerated.
Tierney conveyed a strong message of support to the business owners, insisting they are entitled to operate without fears of security when initiating their business activities each day and wrapping up at closure time. He added that the itinerary of the law enforcement would be intrinsically designed to legally hold accountable those individuals who disrupt this sense of security.
This widespread case, involving multiple jurisdictions and businesses, is a stark reminder of the damage that a single individual can inflict on local communities and economies.
Justice Timothy D. Mazzei and the other officials involved are dedicated to ensuring a thorough and meticulous case against Parise, ensuring the safety and security of Suffolk County are upheld.
As Parise awaits his trial on March 20, the businesses affected, and the wider Suffolk community, wait in anticipation of the verdict that will close this chapter of uncertainty and restore a sense of safety to the backbone of their local infrastructure.