Gambling, Illegal Drinking And Cocaine Found In West Babylon Bust: PD

BABYLON, NY — A West Babylon grocery store was busted for having illegal gambling machines and allowing drinking without a license on Tuesday, according to Suffolk County Police.

After hearing complaints from community members, police, the Town of Babylon Fire Marshal, Building Inspector and Code Enforcement officials investigated J&M Familia Grocery & Deli on Sunrise Highway and found people consuming alcohol and gambling on the premise utilizing three illegal gambling machines.

Store employee Jacqueline Mendez, 53, of West Babylon was arrested and charged with second-degree promoting gambling, possession of gambling devices, second-degree criminal nuisance and selling alcoholic beverages without a license, police said.

Marlon Alvarado, 34, of North Babylon was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance for cocaine, police said.

Marlon Espinoza, 25, of East Meadow, was charged with loitering for the purpose of gambling, police said.

The Town of Babylon Fire Marshal, Building Inspector and Code Enforcement department issued
several violations to the business.

Everyone arrested were issued Desk Appearance Tickets and are slated to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.