Riverhead cops charge six during undercover alcohol sting operation

Editor’s note: A criminal charge is an accusation. By law, a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Six people were arrested by Riverhead Police yesterday during a State Liquor Authority compliance check operation conducted by the Riverhead Police Department C.O.P.E. Unit.

The operation targeted the sale of alcohol to patrons under the age of 21.

Six locations, The Thirsty Cellar, 6324 Route 25A Wading River, Village Beverage, 2051 North Country Road, Wading River, Alpine Wine and Liquor, 6249 Route 25A, Wading River, Valero, 4904 Route 25A, Wading River, The Wine Depot, 1968 Old Country Road, Riverhead, and 7-Eleven, 1733 Old Country Road, Riverhead were found to be in violation of the prohibition on selling alcohol to patrons under the age of 21.

The following people were arrested and charged with Unlawfully Dealing With a Child in the first degree:

• Lynn Knopfke, 71, of Rocky Point;
• Michael Sheehan, 18, of Wading River;
• Brian Love, 30, Port Jefferson;
• Shah Hasan, 42, of Middle Island;
• Anthony Maneri, 24, East Moriches;
• and Orcun Unsal, 28, of Mattituck.

These checks are part of an ongoing effort by the Riverhead Town Police Department to ensure New York State Liquor Authority and Penal Law Compliancefor the sale of alcohol to minors, police said.