Accused Long Island Drug Dealer Walks Into Court Wearing an Eyebrow-Raising Hoodie

A Long Island restaurant worker accused of operating a drug distribution scheme out of a local eatery appeared in court wearing clothing that drew attention to the nature of the charges he faces, as reported by the New York Post.

Andres Cabrera-Sanchez, 25, was arraigned Sunday in Suffolk County criminal court following his arrest in connection with an alleged narcotics operation based at La Costa Catracha, a Honduran restaurant in Brentwood.

Authorities allege Cabrera-Sanchez was part of a group involved in selling drugs out of the restaurant’s dining area.

At his court appearance, Cabrera-Sanchez wore a hoodie featuring a marijuana leaf and the words “Roll Up,” a detail that stood out as he faced charges tied to drug distribution.

Accused drug dealer ‘rolls up’ to Long Island court with super conspicuous hoodie That’s one way to “roll up” to court. A not-at-all subtle Long Island restaurant worker accused of selling drugs out of the dining room showed up to court wearing a pot lea… https://t.co/pEN3iROrYb pic.twitter.com/s25KWSjXGe

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In addition to narcotics-related allegations, Cabrera-Sanchez is also charged with possession of an illegal firearm.

The arrests followed a coordinated inspection involving Suffolk County Police, New York State Liquor Authority investigators, and Town of Islip fire marshals.

Officials said the operation was initiated as part of a routine liquor compliance check under the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, but quickly expanded after investigators identified suspected illegal activity.

According to Suffolk County officials, the inspection uncovered what they described as a narcotics operation extending beyond the restaurant itself.

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Authorities said the alleged activity was linked to both the dining area and a nearby residence in Brentwood.

Several individuals were taken into custody as a result of the investigation. Restaurant owner Wilmer Mendez-Barrera, 44, was issued tickets for violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.

Another employee, Keshawn Matthews, 39, was cited for acting as an unlicensed security guard. Officials said Matthews was wearing a fake tactical vest and was armed with an imitation firearm at the time of the inspection.

Authorities also charged multiple patrons who were present at the restaurant during the operation. Juana Flores, 47, and Maykol Escobar-Rivas, 18, were each charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance.

A third patron, Christian Palacios-Ruiz, 18, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The investigation extended beyond the restaurant to a nearby Brentwood home, where officials arrested Joshua Molina, 27. He faces charges related to drugs as well as endangering the welfare of a child, according to authorities.

Following the inspection and arrests, fire marshals determined that La Costa Catracha was unsafe for occupancy. The establishment has since been shut down and issued multiple summonses.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine the scope of the alleged operation and any additional individuals who may be involved.

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