Six men arrested in connection with a string of home invasions in Suffolk County were arraigned Saturday in Central Islip.
The suspects, Tyrone Simpson, Benjamin Gains and Steven Brison, of Wyandanch, Andy Sukram, of Bayport, Bryan Bethea Jr., of Central Islip and Jamal Bishop, of Copiague, were taken into custody Friday during a raid. Police say they also seized real and fake guns, as well as stolen property.
Police and prosecutors say the suspects held guns to some of their victims' heads and tied them up as they stole cash and other items from six homes in Melville, Deer Park, Islip, Lindenhurst and Smithtown over the past two weeks.
But supporters of the six men say the prosecutors are just looking to incriminate someone.
In the course of the arraignment, emotions inside the courtroom reached a fever pitch when the mother of one suspect started to yell before collapsing when the judge told her to leave the courtroom. Court officers led everyone out of the court and then escorted the distraught woman.
Following the incident, the judge warned the audience that anyone who tries to disrupt the proceedings will be thrown in jail.
Five of the men now face burglary and robbery charges, while the sixth is accused of possessing stolen property. Authorities say at least one of the men arrested has confessed.
They say two more suspects are still at large.