Cops: Drug buyer swindled in deal gone wrong in Southampton

A Flanders man who attempted to swindle someone out of $1,000 during a drug deal ended up being charged with endangering the welfare of a child and petit larceny, according to Southampton Town police.

The victim of the theft — who was attempting to buy drugs — was carrying $1,000 in $20 bills on County Road 39 in Southampton about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, police said.

He reportedly showed the money to 20-year-old Blake Delia, who was the seller in the deal, but Mr. Delia snatched the money and fled the scene, police said.

Mr. Delia was later apprehended by Southampton Village police, who found that he had no drugs in his possession, police said.

Mr. Delia had a juvenile in his car when the crime occurred and when he fled from police, according to a police report. Both charges are misdemeanors.

The stolen $1,000 was recovered, police said.