New York residents may be interesting in learning the disposition of a legal case involving a popular chef from an Ithaca restaurant. On March 3, the 53-year-old chef was reportedly driving under the influence when his actions caused a collision that killed a young Auburn man.
The defendant was named the 2014 Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation’s Syracuse Chapter. After leaving his job in Ithaca, he was traveling north on State Route 34 at approximately 9:30 p.m. when he drove his 2016 Honda Accord across the centerline near the Fleming and Scipio town line. As a result of the man’s impaired driving, he reportedly caused a head-on collision with a vehicle driven by a 25-year-old Auburn man with three passengers. The Auburn driver died at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision. The brother of the deceased was one of three passengers in the vehicle, and he suffered serious injuries that continue to cause him problems. The fiancé of the deceased was also passenger in the vehicle, and prosecutors described her injuries as ‘less serious.” A minor child was the final passenger and sustained no injuries.
The chef reportedly had a blood alcohol level that was three times the legal limit at the time of the crash. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, first-degree vehicular assault and aggravated driving while intoxicated. He recently pleaded guilty to the charges and faces a sentence of between 4.5 and 13 years in prison. The Cayuga County District Attorney prosecuted the action in Cayuga County Court. Sentencing will come at a later date. Until sentencing, the man is being held in custody.
Drinking and driving is a serious offense and major cause of car accidents. There are many consequences to negligent and reckless behavior, including serious injuries and death to other drivers. A skilled personal injury lawyer may be able to help those harmed by drunk drivers recover from the damages they sustained in the accident.