5 Most Read Stories in December

Take a look back at the major headlines in December:

1. Fire Breaks Out in House in Shinnecock Hills

Two men were injured Dec. 4 after they escaped a raging fire at a house in Shinnecock Hills that town officials said posed health and safety hazards this summer.

The Southampton Town Fire Marshal's office is now investigating the cause of the blaze that destroyed the two-story house at 18 Greenfield Road, between County Road 39 and St. Andrew's Road.

2. Man Charged in Ponzi Scheme Claimed Funds Were for Shinnecock Tobacco Shop

A Dix Hills man is being arraigned in federal court Dec. 10, on wire and mail fraud charges in connection to a Ponzi scheme totaling more than $5 million after he told investors they would be financing wholesale cigarette purchases on behalf of a Shinnecock Nation tobacco shop.

3. Upset in Bridgehampton Fire District Race; 1 of 3 Propositions Fail

A write-in candidate ousted the incumbent commissioner and current chairman of the Bridgehampton Board of Fire Commissioners in Dec. 10's election. 

Bruce Dombkwoski handily won a five-year term as commissioner, and voters also rejected one of the propositions — not allowing the district to make the treasurer position an appointed position instead of an elected one — in the election that saw a large turnout. There were a total of 257 votes cast. 

4. Court of Appeals Tosses Anthony Oddone's Conviction, Orders New Trial

Anthony Oddone, the man convicted in 2010 of first-degree manslaughter for causing the death of Hampton Bays resident Andrew Reister by holding him in a headlock at Southampton Publick House, is getting a new trial.

5. Cops Offer Cash Reward in Southampton Village Burglary, Arson

Police are asking for the public's help to identify the suspects who burglarized a house in Southampton Village, stole a Jeep and then torched it last month.