MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a Freeport man was arraigned today on a 19-count indictment related to an April 17 crash, in which the driver was allegedly speeding on the Southern State Parkway when he crashed and killed one passenger and seriously injured two other passengers.
Jonathan Sobrane, 37, was arraigned this morning before Acting Supreme Court Justice Helene Gugerty and charged with:
- Two counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (a B felony)
- Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree (a C felony)
- Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree (a C felony)
- Three counts of Aggravated Vehicular Assault (a C felony)
- Two counts Assault in the 2nd Degree (a D violent felony)
- Vehicular Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree (a D felony)
- Three counts of Vehicular Assault in the 1st Degree (a D felony)
- Two counts of Vehicular Assault in the 2nd Degree (an E felony)
- Operating a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs as a Felony (an E felony)
- Operating a Motor Vehicle while Impaired by Combined Use of Drugs or of Alcohol and any Drug or Drugs as a Felony (an E felony)
- Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree (an A misdemeanor)
- Reckless Driving (an unclassified misdemeanor)
The defendant pleaded not guilty and bail was set at $500,000 cash or bond. Sobrane is due back in court on June 20. The defendant faces a maximum of 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
“Far too many drivers are turning our highways into their own personal racetracks,” DA Singas said. “This defendant allegedly killed one passenger and severely injured two others while he was speeding on the Southern State Parkway. This crash was incredibly violent and the lives of the victims and their family members are forever changed.”
DA Singas said that on April 17 at approximately 3:40 a.m., the defendant was driving eastbound on the Southern State Parkway in a white 2004 Acura with three passengers in the car. The group was returning from a club in New York City. The defendant was allegedly weaving across three lanes of traffic and driving in exit and entrance ramps to pass other motorists. As the defendant changed lanes he allegedly clipped the back of a white 2006 Toyota Highlander travelling in the same direction. The collision caused the defendant’s car to spin off the road, hit trees and uproot a light pole.
A 23-year old female passenger in the passenger seat suffered massive lacerations to her head that left her skull exposed and a fractured femur. A 21-year old male in the backseat sustained a broken arm and finger. A 22-year old male passenger was ejected from the backseat and was found with the light pole across his chest. He died as a result of his injuries. The defendant was not injured.
Sobrane was arrested at the scene by members of the New York State Police.
Assistant District Attorney Stefanie Palma of DA Singas’ Vehicular Crimes Bureau is prosecuting the case. Sobrane is represented by David Haber, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.