Former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke, who previously led the investigation on the case, had cut ties with the federal investigators during the serial killer probe. Burke, who has been accused of mishandling the case, later served a 46-month federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to beating up a handcuffed suspect who had stolen a gym bag from his SUV in a separate case. 

"The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office has a dedicated Human Trafficking Unit, which has been operating inside the jail for the last three and a half years," Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr., stated on Tuesday. "This unit has obtained valuable information and leads that we hope to share with our partner agencies to help solve this case and bring justice to these victims."

Harrison, who was just confirmed as the new police commissioner for Suffolk County in December, announced on New Year’s Eve that the department is in “a great place to solve” the case, citing new leads. He stated at a press conference that he is “making a commitment to the residents of Suffolk County as well as the family members.” - Oxygen

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