August 12, 2010

PRESS RELEASE / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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              District Attorney Gwen Wilkinson announced today that a Groton man has been indicted on a violation of the recently enacted Leandra’s Law, which makes it a felony to drive drunk with a child under 15 years of age in the car. On May 22, 2010, Steven D. Sweazy was arrested after he drove his car off Hanshaw Road, rolled the vehicle and crashed into a tree. Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene and discovered Sweazy in an intoxicated condition, with an eight-year-old girl and a ten-year-old boy in the vehicle. One of the children was injured in the crash.

              Steven D. Sweazy, 40, of Groton is accused of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, on the theory that he committed the crime of DWI and had two children with him in the car who were less than 15 years old. He is also charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Assault in the Third Degree. The assault charge is based on the allegation that one of the children in the car was injured.

               The indictment was handed up today in Tompkins County Court with the Hon. John C. Rowley presiding. Assistant District Attorney Gary U. Surdell will prosecute the case.

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NOTE: An indictment, like any criminal charge, is solely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.