The district attorney in upstate New York says she will not resign after police body camera footage showed her punching a police officer who tried to pull her over for speeding in her hometown.
Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Dawley said police footage released last week showed the county’s top prosecutor driving 55 mph before tearing a Webster police officer down his driveway after he refused to stop. He has been under fire ever since he was seen cursing. “f–king a–hole” at one point.
She later apologized for her actions, claiming it was due to work stress, but showed no signs of resigning. This was reported to local broadcaster NBC 10. Ever since the incident that has become a hot topic, she has never thought about resigning.
“I was elected to serve this community and I will continue to serve this community,” she said.
“There is no excuse for what I did. If I could go back, I would do something completely different,” she said.
“I agree to self-report to the Grievance Committee. An investigation is welcome. I am truly, truly sorry and I intend to cooperate and deal with whatever punishment is imposed.”
All nine members of the Rochester City Council signed a letter to New York State Attorney General Letitia James questioning Mr. Dawley’s “fitness to serve as district attorney” and calling for an investigation into the situation.
Gov. Cathy Hochul also referred Mr. Dooley to the state Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct, saying in a statement that the video shows the prosecutor’s office “claiming to be above the law and attempting to use their public office to avoid responsibility.” He said the footage showed “unprofessional behavior toward police officers.” I’m just trying to do my job. ”
Gov. Dooley said it “impaired her ability to hold others accountable.”
The prosecutor was caught speeding less than half a mile from his neighborhood. But when the cops started flashing their lights from behind her, instead of pulling over, she drove home and called Webster Police Chief Dennis Kohlmeyer about the “no-hole cops” coming after her. complained, body camera footage shows.
She pleaded guilty to speeding in city court the next day.
“If I could go back in time, I would definitely stop and deal with it differently, but I didn’t. I was an idiot,” she told NBC 10.
“I completely regret everything I said. There are really no words for my actions. I could say I had a bad day, I was thinking, but that’s not an excuse. “No,” she continued.
“Police officers deserve to be treated with respect, and I have been a strong advocate for that in the community, but I have failed miserably.”
Kohlmeyer declined to comment for nearly a week, but said he supports the way the officers handled the unpleasant situation.
“I am extremely proud of our police department for handling such a dynamic incident with such professionalism.” he said in a statement Thursday.
“Our body-worn camera policy is designed to provide transparency. In this situation, it affirms the integrity and character of our officers. It also affirms Officer Crisafulli’s work and the safety of our community. I would like to publicly thank you for your dedication.”
