Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 53-year-old Roger D. Murphy of Town of Tonawanda was arraigned this morning before Tonawanda Town Court Justice Daniel T. Cavarello on one count of Driving While Intoxicated, one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors) and one count of Unsafe Passing (Vehicle and Traffic Law violation).
It is alleged that on Friday, April 7, 2023, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the defendant was driving a Town of Tonawanda street sweeper vehicle, while under the influence of alcohol, westbound on the I-290 when he caused the vehicle to crash near the Colvin Boulevard exit. After the crash, investigators allegedly found a single prescription painkiller pill inside of the vehicle. No injuries were reported.
Following the alleged incident, the defendant was placed on administrative leave then terminated from his position in the Town of Tonawanda Highway Department.
Murphy is scheduled to return on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. for further proceedings. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, Murphy faces a maximum sentence of one year in jail.
DA Flynn commends the Town of Tonawanda Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney William E. Szczepanski of the Justice Courts Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.