CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAIN FORMALLY DROPPED AGAINST SKVER REBBE'S DRIVER

Back on August 15, 2022, a head-on crash in Woodbury, New York resulted in the death of 62 year old Monticello resident IkSong Jin and 5 injuries.

The driver responsible for the crash was driving New Square Grand Rabbi David Twersky at the time.

Prosecutors say that the young driver lost control of his Ford Explorer while speeding up to 76 mph in a 50 mph zone, crossed the double yellow line and injured four others in his vehicle as well. The 81 year old Rebbe was not injured.

After a year-long criminal investigation, he was charged with five traffic tickets for speeding, passing on the right, driving to the left of pavement markings, moving from lane unsafely and driving across hazardous markings.

More importantly, he was also charged with reckless driving, which, unlike simple traffic citations, is a criminal misdemeanor that, for a first-time offender, carries a penalty of up to 30 days in jail, fines up to $300, and a criminal record.

As previously reported here on FAA News, back in August 2023, Woodbury Town Court Judge Bruce Schonberg agreed to drop the charge after reading a letter from the State Police which states that the ticket was "issued in error." Orange County District Attorney Dave Hoovler explained to Judge Schonberg that it was a "filing error" in that "state police charged the driver with reckless driving by mistake," but that ultimately "they found no reason to press criminal charges in the crash."

However, at the drivers' second appearance the next week, things took a very unexpected turn when the State Police refiled the charge.

However, things have again calmed down after the District Attorney confidently assured the judge that, "based upon the investigation conducted by the New York State Police, the People are not able to prove the Reckless Driving charge beyond a reasonable doubt.”

At a hearing held just recently, Judge David Hasin formally agreed to dismiss the charge.

The District Attorney has also offered the driver a plea deal where he could plead guilty to just two of the remaining charges, moving from a lane unsafely and speeding.

The driver is due back in court in January where he is expected to take the plea which comes with a $1,000 fine and up to 10 points on his license.

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