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Suspects in Riverhead robbery, assault held on bail

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Three of the four people arrested for the reported mugging of a man at a Riverhead home Monday morning are being held on bail after their arraignment in town court, according to court records.

However, a fourth suspect was released without bail after being arraigned on three similar felony charges — including robbery and assault with a set of metal knuckles — records show.

Dwayne Kyle Harris, 32, of Riverhead was charged with two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of second-degree assault for his role in the robbery, which occurred Monday morning just before 11 a.m., according to court records. He was released from custody after being arraigned before Town Justice Lori Hulse, a court clerk said.

Mr. Harris’ attorney, Dan Russo of Westhampton Beach, couldn’t be reached for comment.

According to the records, Mr. Harris — along with Sheryl Madr, 33, of Flanders, Alexander G. Crampe, 39, and Michael T. Young, 33, of Riverhead — attacked the victim at a home on Raynor Avenue. Mr. Young, the records show, lived at the same home as the victim.

Criminal court filings against the four allege they worked together to punch the victim in the head, causing “substantial pain, swelling and bleeding.” The four then searched the man’s pockets and stole his wallet and cash, according to the court documents.

The man called 911 soon after to report the robbery and police found the victim a short distance from the home, according to a police press release. The victim was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center with minor injuries, police said.

The four suspects were located after a police investigation and arrested. Like Mr. Harris, Ms. Madr and Mr. Young were also charged with two counts of felony robbery and one count of assault, according to court records. Both were held on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

Mr. Young’s attorney, Lane Bubka of Riverhead, said his client claims he wasn’t a participant in the robbery — he tried to break it up. Mr. Young’s house was the site of the alleged robbery and had been having friends over when the incident occurred.

“It’s his contention he tried to break up the altercation and return the property to the alleged victim,” Mr. Bubka said. “If anything he was trying to help.”

In addition to the most recent charges, Mr. Young has an active case open related to a June arrest for aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, a misdemeanor. He is due back in court in that case on Feb. 16.

Ms. Madr was represented by a Legal Aid attorney.

Mr. Crampe was charged with felony assault and unlawful possession of marijuana, according to court records. He was held on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond and his defense attorney was not listed in court records.

Mr. Harris had previously been one of 14 people arrested in July following an East End Drug Task Force investigation into cocaine and heroin distribution networks operating across the North and South forks. He pled not guilty later that month to multiple drug charges after a grand jury indictment, according to online court records, and his case was due back in court Tuesday.

Mr. Young, Ms. Madr and Mr. Crampe are all due back in town court on the charges relating to the alleged robbery later this week. Mr. Harris will appear in court on March 14.

Photo caption: (clockwise, from top left) Dwayne Kyle Harris, Alexander Crampe, Sheryl Madr and Michael Young.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated with comment from attorney Lane Bubka.

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