New state legislation introduced to require businesses to release security video to police without a search warrant or subpoena
It's named after the 23-year-old CVS worker killed on Christmas Day inside the store in Lindenhurst.
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New legislation going through the state Assembly aims to require businesses to release security video to police without a search warrant or subpoena.
It's called the "Edeedson 'Joshy' Cine, Jr. Transparency Act." It's named after the 23-year-old CVS worker killed on Christmas Day inside the store in Lindenhurst.
John Pilaccio, 43, of Lindenhurst is charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder.
Last month, Suffolk police said the delay in receiving the footage affected their ability to make an arrest.
"I am shocked and appalled by it," Commissioner Kevin Catalina said last month.
The legislation was introduced by local Assemblyman Kwani B. O'Pharrow.
"Right now is that only you can request video footage via a warrant or subpoena," says O'Pharrow.
"What they did in holding onto the videotape could have really jeopardized this investigation," says Heather Palmore, the attorney for the Cine family. "Every minute counts."
O'Pharrow says there would be consequences to businesses won't don't comply if this is passed.
"There would be fines up to $100,000," he said.
"If this legislation goes through to make sure that no other family would have to suffer in such a fashion as this family is dealing with right now," says Stephen Drummond, an attorney for the Cine family.
In a statement to News 12, CVS says it cooperated with Suffolk police right away.
CVS sent News 12 timestamped photos of officers reviewing the footage on site.
"After, the police department requested multiple hours of video from each of the 30 cameras in our store, we extracted and uploaded overnight, so they had it the next morning. We have been completely cooperative," says the CVS spokesperson.
The legislation is now being reviewed in committee.
