An upstate New York district attorney who reprimanded a police officer after he was pulled over for speeding was referred Sunday by Gov. Kathy Hochul to a state commission tasked with investigating the prosecutor’s conduct.
Hochul said in a statement Friday that body camera footage showed Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Dawley ignoring Webster, N.Y., police officers, driving back to her home and calling the police chief to file a complaint. After the footage appeared, he said he made a request to the Prosecutors’ Conduct Committee. A “hole-in-the-hole” police officer who was following her home.
The unpleasant exchange happened on Monday and ended with Doley getting a speeding ticket. She pleaded guilty to the traffic offense the day after the shocking footage came to light.
““District attorneys are responsible for prosecuting criminal and traffic crimes and must perform their duties with the highest ethical standards,” Hochul said.
“Earlier today, I accused the Monroe County District Attorney of being above the law, attempting to use his official position to avoid responsibility, and engaging in unprofessional conduct toward police officers. The prosecutor was referred to the Prosecutor’s Office after the body camera footage was released. He was just trying to do his job.
“We are deeply grateful to the men and women of law enforcement who put on the uniform every day to keep all New Yorkers safe.”
The commission will consist of 10 members and will serve as an independent body to investigate conduct within the district attorney’s office and provide increased oversight to ensure that prosecutors adhere to high ethical standards. Established in 2021 with the aim of
