August 28, 2009
Source: Newsday
Federal authorities confirmed Friday they are monitoring the case of an Islandia man who police said harassed two Muslim women at a Smithtown gas station.
"We're aware of it and we're going to monitor this," said Robert Nardoza, spokesman for U.S. Attorney Benton J. Campbell, referring to the Aug. 20 incident. "At this time it's premature to say that federal charges will be filed."
Nardoza said federal agents would remain in contact with local and state law enforcement as the case against Joseph Ballance, 23, proceeds, to evaluate whether federal charges should be filed.