NCPD: Body of missing Freeport man found in Milburn Pond

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The body of 40-year-old Dennis Jones, of Freeport, has been recovered from Milburn Pond on the Baldwin-Freeport border, according to Nassau County police. He was found, authorities said, on Saturday afternoon and pronounced dead by a county police medic at 4:21 p.m.

Police did not offer further details at press time. The investigation is ongoing, officials said.

The Freeport Police Department had searched Milburn Pond in Freeport on Dec. 27 for Jones. According to police, he disappeared on Dec. 22 at around 7 p.m. at the pond, where his boots and jacket were found near Milburn Pond Road and West Merrick Road in Freeport.

Police described Jones as a white male, 5-foot-7, 165 pounds, hazel eyes, with a bald head and a salt-and-pepper beard. 


Jones’s sister, Aly Jones, posted on her Facebook page that the search by helicopters, boats and divers with infrared cameras had not turned up anything. A frustrated Aly was filmed at the pond on Dec. 27 as she put on waders and entered the pond to search for her brother.

The Freeport Fire Department’s raft also was navigating the pond conducting a search for Dennis.

Village Attorney Howard Colton said the village had provided all its resources to aid in the search for Jones, including the village’s divers, boats and infrared cameras. “Freeport has done all it can within its jurisdiction,” Colton said. “Pressure is being put on all fronts, but the county has to move.” 


According to Colton, Milburn Pond falls under Nassau County’s jurisdiction.

The NCPD issued the following statement on Saturday afternoon: 

"The Nassau County Police Department is utilizing all resources and technology while attempting to locate this missing person. Some of these resources are the Missing Persons Bureau, Marine Bureau, Dive Team, Aviation Unit, Emergency Service Unit...

"Currently we are once again at Milburn Pond on the Baldwin-Freeport border, with all the above units utilizing sonar technology in an attempt to locate objects in the water. This will be a systematic grid search, with divers entering the water to check the perimeter and area storm drains. It is considered a hazardous job, as the pond contains dark, murky water of unknown depths with submerged debrisWe will continue to search the surrounding areaWe have received numerous tips, and detectives are following up on leads." 

Detectives request anyone with information regarding this case to call (516) 573-7347 or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.

This story will be updated.