Crime & Safety

Gwaltney Family Issues Statement Following Arrest

Scooter Berry, half-brother of former N. Babylon football star, expresses concern for victims.

The half-brother of Jason Gwaltney has issued a statement following the former North Babylon High School football star’s arrest earlier this week.

On his Twitter account, Scooter Berry, currently a member of the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League, said his family is concerned for the victims and for Gwaltney’s involvement in the incident.

“We are sensitive to the fact that many people are angered at the facts that have been reported in the media and we respect and understand that anger, especially in light of some of the tragic events that have recently occurred in our country,” Berry wrote in a statement posted on Wednesday.

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“We, the family, would simply ask at this time for patience and compassion while the justice system works through the facts of this incident involving Jason. Please keep our extended family in your thoughts and prayers. For those of you who may have a sibling, right or wrong, Jason is still my brother, and while I may not always love his choices or his actions, I will always love him. Thank you for your continued support.”

Gwaltney, currently living in Brentwood, was one of five men arrested Tuesday in connection with a burglary in Huntington. Arrested with Gwaltney was Jaquese Jones, 18, of Bay Shore; Nouvelle Lucas, 17, of Wyandanch; Demetrius Edwards, 19, of Wyandanch; and Tahjiea Carpenter, 17, of Huntington.

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According to police, three armed men entered a home on Leigh Street early Tuesday morning through an unlocked door, threatening five residents and demanding cash. Two others remained outside acting as lookouts while the burglary took place, police said.

The five men then fled in the vehicle before being stopped by police on Deer Park Ave. in Dix Hills, police said.

Judge G. Ann Spelman ordered Jason Gwaltney held on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond at his arraignment Wednesday at First District Court in Central Islip, Newsday reported. Gwaltney pleaded not guilty. 


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