Former Town of Tonawanda Employee Pleads Guilty to Driving While Ability Impaired Charge for Crashing Street Sweeper

Monday, May 6, 2024

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 54-year-old Roger D. Murphy of Town of Tonawanda pleaded guilty this morning before Tonawanda Town Court Justice Daniel T. Cavarello to one count of Driving While Ability Impaired (violation under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law).

On Friday, April 7, 2023, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the defendant was driving a Town of Tonawanda street sweeper vehicle westbound on the I-290 when he caused the vehicle to crash near the Colvin Boulevard exit. After the crash, investigators found a single prescription painkiller pill inside of the vehicle.

After the crash, the defendant was placed on administrative leave from his position in the Town of Tonawanda Highway Department. His employment was later terminated.

Today, Murphy received a one-year conditional discharge. As a condition of his sentence, he was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service. His driver's license has been revoked.

Acting DA Keane commends the Town of Tonawanda Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rachel L. Schepart of the Justice Courts Bureau.