A Central Islip man has pleaded not guilty to a deadly hit-and-run in Central Islip two months ago.

Detectives arrested 30-year-old Joseph Melendez for the Nov. 9 crash that killed 64-year-old Lorenzo Fuentes.

Fuentes was walking to work on Motor Parkway when he was hit and killed. Police say Melendez fled the scene.

The hit-and-run victim left behind a wife, seven children and 13 grandchildren.

According to authorities, Melendez's vehicle was eventually found at the house of his girlfriend's mother. Assistant District Attorney Patricia Brosco says his Jeep was concealed down a long driveway and a tarp was placed over the damaged section. She told the judge that pieces from a headlight found at the scene were an exact match to Melendez's Jeep.

Defense attorney William Keahon says the district attorney does not have a strong case and that his client had no knowledge that he hit someone.

Melendez posted $30,000 bail. He is due back in court on Feb. 6.