LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) -- A neighbor who chose not to be identified said he is still processing the events that recently unfolded just doors away from his Holbrook, Suffolk County townhouse.
One of his neighbors, Joseph Adonis, was found dead on the morning of Jan. 3, just one day short of turning 14 months old.
“It’s just terrible that a baby died,” said the neighbor.
The boy’s parents, Wilkens Adonis and Daryllee Leibrock, both 38, are now accused of running a multi-drug operation from their home in the presence of Joseph and another 11-year-old child.
“We are investigating what appears to be the overdose of a baby,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney.
Specifically, Tierney said exposure to several drugs, including the deadly opioid fentanyl.
“In that same bedroom where Joseph was found, Suffolk County police also found over 1/8 of an ounce of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, known as ‘Fetty.’ Drug packaging materials, two digital scales, an electric stun gun, a loaded shotgun, and a rifle,” said Tierney.
Both Parents are charged with multiple counts of:
- Felony criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell
- Criminal use of drug paraphernalia
- Failure to safely store firearms
- Criminal possession of a weapon
- Endangering the welfare of a child
The mother, in this case, admitted in court that drugs found in the bedroom belonged to her and to having a $50-a-day cocaine habit. Prosecutors in the Suffolk County DA’s office said she violated an order of protection by being with them in the same home as her children – for previously exposing them to the very same drugs, which led to a fatal overdose.
The parents have separate defense attorneys.
“He was on suicide watch. He was really upset about what happened to his son,” said Matthew Tuohy, Adonis’ attorney.
“It’s sad,” Steve Fondulis, who represents the mother, said.
Tierney and County Executive Edward Romaine both called for stiffer laws and penalties, adding bail was set for both parents - only because they both have open criminal cases.
“What does it say about a society that cannot protect its children,” said Romaine.
The drug bust is too close for comfort for the couple's neighbor.
“They could have touched anything or left residue anywhere. So it definitely raises your eyebrows about what was going on,” said the neighbor.
The father’s defense attorney said he consented to the police search, had no knowledge of the drugs in the home, and that the mother “came to the house when she wasn’t supposed to.”
Tierney said his office was limited in how strongly it could charge both parents, adding for the death of little Joseph, they face a maximum of one to nine years in prison.
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