DA: Suffolk officer committed arson to boost stature in fire department

<p>A Suffolk County police officer was indicted on an arson charge Thursday morning.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 14, 2018, 3:09 PM

Updated 2,142 days ago

Share:

A Suffolk County police officer was indicted on an arson charge Thursday morning.
Prosecutors said Weldon Drayton, 34, also a captain in the Central Islip Fire Department, acted in concert with another defendant to set fire to an abandoned home on Vanderbilt Drive last October.
Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini said Drayton “handpicked” the home as a target for arson.
“It's alleged that the fire was set so that Drayton could be the first to respond, thereby increasing his stature within the fire department,” said Sini.
In March, three others were arrested in connection with five arsons in the area, including the home on Vanderbilt. All of the structures were unoccupied at the time.
Sini says Drayton acted as a lookout while another person set the home on fire. He also says that Drayton deleted his cellphone data in an attempt to cover up the plan.
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said in a statement that Drayton has been suspended.
“We will not tolerate criminal conduct by our members. The department worked in a collaborative manner with the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office throughout this investigation," said Hart.
Drayton pleaded not guilty to one count of arson and one count of tampering with evidence.


More from News 12
1:23
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

2:29
Sunny and mild Friday for the Hudson Valley; tracking rain for Saturday

Sunny and mild Friday for the Hudson Valley; tracking rain for Saturday

0:48
President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:17
Village of Walden police: Suspects found in connection to shots fired incident

Village of Walden police: Suspects found in connection to shots fired incident

0:21
Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

0:51
Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

0:47
State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

0:31
New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

0:35
Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

0:30
Wake services held for the Westchester correction officer who died in Bronx River Parkway crash

Wake services held for the Westchester correction officer who died in Bronx River Parkway crash

Motorists encounter traffic delays, road closures in and around Irvington during President Joe Biden's visit

Motorists encounter traffic delays, road closures in and around Irvington during President Joe Biden's visit

1:42
Newburgh senior housing manager asks city for help protecting residents

Newburgh senior housing manager asks city for help protecting residents

0:25
Dramatic video captures car fire in Nanuet

Dramatic video captures car fire in Nanuet

0:24
New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

0:24
Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

1:47
Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

0:26
Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

2:27
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze