A family has filed a lawsuit against the County of Suffolk, the Suffolk County Police Department, and several individual officers, alleging misconduct during a search of their home.
Plaintiffs Diane and Vincent Pertusiello Jr. allege that on June 23, 2023, approximately fourteen police officers used a battering ram to break down their front door without prior warning or announcement while executing a search warrant. The warrant was based on an investigation led by Detective Thomas Sullivan and supervised by Detective Sergeant Gregg Schleier. The plaintiffs claim that during the search, officers caused significant property damage, destroyed video cameras, and seized personal belongings, including prescribed medications needed by Vincent Pertusiello Jr.
The lawsuit asserts multiple violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, including unlawful search and seizure, false arrest, malicious prosecution, and negligence. The plaintiffs allege that Vincent Pertusiello Jr. was falsely arrested on charges related to his prescribed medications, resulting in loss of employment opportunities. They state that all charges have been dismissed.
The plaintiffs seek more than $40 million in damages, including punitive damages, and request compensatory relief for property damage, emotional distress, loss of income, and other alleged harms.
The plaintiffs are represented by The Law Offices of Frederick K. Brewington of Hempstead, New York. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under docket number 2:25-cv-04259.