Crime & Safety

Glen Cove Mother and Son Charged with Multiple Felonies

A Glen Cove woman and her son are facing felony charges after a reported break-in on Tuesday.

Glen Cove police say they received a “frantic call” at about 11:20 a.m. Tuesday from a resident in the Landing area in the city.

Upon arrival, police spoke to the homeowner and discovered that the house’s front door had been forced in, and that those responsible were still onsite. Police then arrested Laura Purnel, 40, of Glen Cove, and her son, Jesse Thomas, 21, on the premises.

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Police say that Purnell allegedly attempted to rob the homeowner minutes earlier on Coles Street in Glen Cove, but the victim escaped and returned home. Purnell and Thomas also went to the victim’s house, and Thomas kicked the door in, demanding money from those inside, according to police.

Thomas then physically attacked one of the persons inside the house and then menaced him with a large kitchen knife, police say. Next, Purnell arrived and illegally entered the residence demanding money. She began going through the victim’s purse and desk drawers.

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Purnell was charged with 12 felony charges including eight pending drug felonies, second-degree burglary, second-degree attempted robbery, third-degree attempted robbery, and fourth-degree possession of stolen property. Thomas was charged with five felonies including two counts of first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, second-degree attempted robbery, and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Both mother and son were scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday in First District Court in Hempstead. 


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