Elmont couple, two others, arrested in heroin bust

Thomas Mckinley, 53, and his wife Lorraine Bianchini, 61, were arrested for the possession and sale of heroin from their Elmont apartment on March 25. Also arrested were East Rockaway resident Maggie Caballero, 26, and Copiague resident Grant Marshall, 25, for purchasing heroin from the couple during an undercover investigation conducted by the Narcotics/Vice Bureau. Detectives also found 50 pills of Alprazolam, used for anxiety, and an undetermined amount of U.S. currency in the apartment.

According to detectives, Caballero and Marshall arrived separately during the investigation to purchase four and 10 glassine envelopes of heroin, respectively, from the couple’s home. Both were arrested at their times of purchase and detectives executed a search warrant of the apartment before arresting Mckinley and Bianchini.

Mckinley, who has eight drug-related charges since 1977, is charged with 2nd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, two counts of 3rd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and three counts of 3rd degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. Bianchini is charged with 2nd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Caballero and Marshall are both charged with 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano said on March 26 that this arrest is part of a continued effort to crack down on heroin abuse on Long Island and applauded detectives for taking bags of heroin off of the streets.

“Heroin abuse affects every neighborhood,” Mangano said. “These arrests are part of our three-pronged program. We spend an enormous effort in awareness, education and most importantly, enforcement. The enforcement here today demonstrates excellent work [by the Nassau County Police Department and Narcotics Bureau].”

All four defendants were arraigned on March 26 at First District Court in Hempstead.