Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 48-year-old Rinaldo R. Pearson of Buffalo was sentenced yesterday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to 3-6 years in prison. Pearson’s driver’s license was also revoked.
A short time later, Cheektowaga Police saw the defendant driving a vehicle near the border of the City of Buffalo, which matched the description of the suspect vehicle involved in the hit-and-run. The defendant, who was driving while under the influence of alcohol, hit the pedestrian and drove away from the scene without reporting the incident to police.
Pearson pleaded guilty to one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class “C” felony), the defendant pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge, on September 7, 2023.
Acting DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher M. McCarthy of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.
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