Freeport man indicted for robbing bar that he lived above

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Nikolas Balalaos, 26, of Freeport was indicted on Aug. 10 for burglarizing a Freeport bar on April 11 of this year. He was arrested on July 18 and arraigned on the grand jury charges for burglary and petit larceny. If he is convicted of the top count, Balalaos could serve a maximum of seven years in prison.

Acting Supreme Court Justice Patricia Harrington continued bail at $20,000 bond or $5,000 cash. Balalaos, who remains in custody, is due back in court on Aug. 17 before Acting Supreme Court Justice David Sullivan.

“The defendant is charged with burglarizing a bar – a bar that he happened to live upstairs from,” Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said. “I commend the hardworking First Squad detectives for recognizing the defendant and apprehending him as quickly as they did. A special thanks must be given to the boat owner who helped transport the detectives in the water before the arrest.”

Acting DA Singas said that Nassau County Police Department First Squad detectives working on an unrelated case recognized Balalaos while he was walking on a Freeport street. Balalaos was a suspect in the April 11 burglary of the DQ Bar in Freeport. The defendant allegedly stole more than $500 in cash and three liquor bottles.

Detectives attempted to stop the suspect and a foot pursuit ensued. Balalaos was found swimming in a canal between Anchor Street and Dock Drive, heading toward Baldwin Bay. A civilian transported the detectives by boat who were then able to apprehend Balalaos without incident.

Assistant District Attorney Ilyssa Spergel of Singas’ County Court Trial Bureau is prosecuting the case. Balalaos is represented by Samantha Marshall, Esq. He was represented at arraignment by Taryn Schechter.

The charges are only accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.