Joshua Smith Charged With Stalking Legislator Rob Trotta

Authorities stated that a man who often arrived in a pickup truck to threaten his family trailed a retired detective and Suffolk County lawmaker outside his Northport residence.

Trotta, Robert

On Monday, June 23, 2025, at around 5:45 p.m., Suffolk County Police apprehended Joshua Smith, 47, of Kings Park, on Indian Head Road.

According to authorities, Smith repeatedly parked a white 1989 Chevrolet pickup truck in Legislator Robert Trotta’s driveway and revved the engine between Sunday, June 16, and Tuesday, June 18. On Wednesday, June 19, Trotta informed the police about the disturbing conduct. Less than a week later, Smith was located and taken into custody by detectives from the department’s Major Case Unit.

Smith, who lived at 26 Burr Avenue, was accused of fourth-degree misdemeanor stalking. He was freed on a desk appearance ticket and will later appear in Central Islip’s First District Court.

Trotta, a lifetime resident of Smithtown, a former detective with the Suffolk County Police, and a veteran of the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force, has served as the representative for Suffolk’s 13th Legislative District since 2014. Among the many honors he has earned are Detective of the Year in 2001 and Cop of the Year in 1993. This is his sixth and last term.

Shortly after the release, the lawmaker posted a Facebook Live campaign update, although she did not mention the arrest. Trotta did not address the pending investigation or the incident at his home in the video, instead concentrating on legislative achievements and voter outreach initiatives.

Trotta has two grown children and resides in Fort Salonga with his spouse.

Contact the Major Case Unit at 631-852-6555 if you have any information.