Ralph Elliot, of Bellport, and Lenroy Stewartson, of Bay Shore, among 11 indicted in cocaine trafficking ring case

Authorities on Friday said they had arrested and obtained indictments against 11 people involved in a cocaine trafficking ring in Suffolk County.

The arrests were made after an investigation that lasted more than a year, involved undercover officers and resulted in the confiscation of guns and large sums of cash, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said in a news release.

"Drug traffickers who flood Suffolk County with poisonous substances will be found, and they will be held accountable," Tierney said in a statement. "This indictment reflects the tireless work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners to dismantle organizations that prey on our neighborhoods, fuel addiction, and contribute to violence."

The investigation, which started in December 2024, was also carried out by the Suffolk County Police Department and the New York State Police.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said "this multi-agency investigation yielded significant results and removed nearly a dozen dangerous drug dealers from our communities. ... Narcotics investigations are often lengthy and complex, but their results are invaluable."

Two of the main alleged dealers in the ring were identified by authorities as Ralph Elliot, 53, of Bellport, and Lenroy Stewartson, 45, of Bay Shore.

Robert Macedonio, an Islip Terrace-based attorney representing Stewartson, said his client pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the case and "maintains his innocence."

"Once we complete all discovery and the matter is litigated in the court, I am confident Mr. Stewartson will be cleared of all charges," Macedonio said in a telephone interview on Friday.

Katherine Fernandez, a Uniondale-based attorney representing Elliot, could not be reached for comment.

Law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on March 15 at Stewartson’s residence, which is located next to Mary G. Clarkson Elementary School, authorities said. They allegedly recovered two loaded and operable firearms and about 8 ounces of cocaine, Tierney said. Stewartson also had about $13,800 in cash when he was arrested.

He faces charges of second-degree conspiracy and up to 8⅓ to 25 years in prison. He was arraigned on June 1 before acting Supreme Court Justice Bryan Browns, who ordered Stewartson held on $700,000 cash, $1,400,000 bond, or $2,000,000 partially secured bond while his case is pending.

Authorities executed a search warrant on April 28 at Elliot’s residence, where they allegedly recovered cocaine, crack cocaine, multiple cellphones, assorted jewelry, about $20,800 in cash, and a loaded and operable Taurus semiautomatic .40 caliber pistol, Tierney said.

They also recovered suboxone, a prescription medication used to treat opioid dependence, inside Ellison’s BMW convertible, the district attorney said. Ellison also allegedly was in possession of about $3,600 in cash.

He faces charges of second-degree conspiracy and 8⅓ to 25 years in prison. He was arraigned on June 2 before Browns, who ordered him remanded while his case is pending.